The wave around Lokah: Chapter 1 – Chandra just keeps getting bigger! The film, starring Kalyani Priyadarshan and produced by Dulquer Salmaan, has captured hearts across languages and continents. Now, it’s earning praise from none other than Priyanka Chopra, who hailed it as “India’s first female superhero film.”
Courtesy: Wikipedia
🌟 From Sleeper Hit to Superhero Sensation
Released on August 28, 2025, Lokah Chapter 1: Chandra began as a modest release in Malayalam and Telugu with limited screenings. But positive word-of-mouth quickly transformed it into a national sensation.
Within just eight days, the film raced past the ₹100 crore mark worldwide, collecting ₹52 crore domestically and expanding its theatrical footprint across languages. Following its success, Lokah was dubbed in Tamil and Hindi, giving audiences across India a chance to experience the phenomenon.
What started with 647 screens soon grew to over 1,300 Malayalam screenings and nearly 600 in Telugu, with additional shows added in Hindi due to surging demand.
💬 Priyanka Chopra’s Shoutout Lights Up the Internet
Global icon Priyanka Chopra took to Instagram to celebrate the film’s success, calling Lokah a groundbreaking step for Indian cinema.
Sharing the film’s poster on her story, she wrote:
“India’s first female superhero is here! Congratulations Dulquer Salmaan and the entire team of Lokah. This story has already been winning hearts in Malayalam, and now it’s out in Hindi too. P.S. added it to my watchlist already! Have you?”
Her message quickly went viral, drawing love from fans and fellow celebrities alike.
Producer Dulquer Salmaan was quick to respond, resharing Priyanka’s post with the caption:
“OMG! Thank you! This support means the world to our whole team of Lokah!”
🌈 Bollywood’s Love Keeps Pouring In
Priyanka isn’t the only star to show support. Earlier, Alia Bhatt also praised the film, calling it “a fresh blend of mythic folklore and mystery” and commending the creative leap taken by the team.
It’s not every day that a Malayalam film captures the imagination of India’s biggest stars — but Lokah seems to have done just that.
🎥 The Power of Word-of-Mouth
Led by Kalyani Priyadarshan, the daughter of veteran filmmaker Priyadarshan, Lokah blends myth, mystery, and modern superhero storytelling in a way that’s both powerful and poetic.
Also starring Sandy, Arun Kurian, and Naslen, the film’s success proves that good stories can transcend language barriers.
Despite limited marketing, Lokah became a word-of-mouth sensation — expanding its audience week after week. It has now become the third-highest-earning Malayalam film of 2025, trailing only behind Prithviraj Sukumaran’s L2: Empuraan and Mohanlal’s Thudarum.
⚡ Controversy and Resolution
Amid the celebration, the film also faced minor criticism from some viewers who took issue with a line of dialogue considered insensitive. Addressing the matter swiftly, Dulquer Salmaan’s Wayfarer Films issued a public apology and edited out the line from subsequent screenings, reaffirming their commitment to respectful storytelling.
🏆 A Cultural Moment for Indian Cinema
Lokah: Chapter 1 – Chandra is more than just a hit — it’s a movement. A female-led superhero story rooted in Indian mythology, made with heart, courage, and ambition.
With big names like Priyanka Chopra and Alia Bhatt now championing it, Lokah has officially crossed over from a regional triumph to a pan-Indian pop-culture moment — one that will be remembered as a turning point in the evolution of Indian cinema.