Lokah Fever Grips Kerala Cinemas
Malayalam cinema is witnessing a new wave of excitement with the release of Lokah: Chapter 1 – Chandra. Directed by Arun Dominic and headlined by Kalyani Priyadarshan, the fantasy-superhero film has become the talk of the town. From packed theatres in Kerala to trending hashtags on social media, the film has sparked a craze rarely seen in recent years.
On its opening weekend, several theatres reported sold-out shows, and by the fourth day, extra 6 a.m. screenings were added to handle the massive demand. This surge proves that Lokah has connected deeply with audiences who are hungry for big-screen spectacle.
Strong Box Office Numbers
According to early box office reports, Lokah: Chapter 1 – Chandra collected around ₹13.95 crore in just three days in Kerala alone, an impressive number for a regional film. The momentum has only grown stronger with weekdays showing healthy occupancies — a clear sign of positive word-of-mouth.
Trade analysts suggest that the film has the potential to cross major milestones if the trend continues. With the Onam holiday season around the corner, exhibitors are confident that Lokah will dominate Kerala’s box office for weeks.
A Bold Fantasy-Superhero Vision
Malayalam cinema is known for strong storytelling, but large-scale superhero fantasies are rare. Director Arun Dominic has taken a bold step in building a world that blends mythology, fantasy, and modern-day action.
At the heart of the story is Chandra, played brilliantly by Kalyani Priyadarshan, who brings both emotional depth and heroic power to the role. Alongside her, Naslen delivers a performance full of charm and energy. The film’s VFX, action set-pieces, and emotional core have been praised for raising the bar for Malayalam films.
Critics have described the movie as a “home-grown fantasy reimagination” that doesn’t shy away from experimenting with scale and spectacle. It’s a sign that Mollywood is ready to push boundaries beyond traditional narratives.
Audience Reactions: Standing Ovations & Twitter Trends
The audience response has been nothing short of phenomenal. Viewers across Kerala are calling Lokah a “theatrical experience” that demands to be watched on the big screen. Social media platforms are flooded with glowing reviews, fan edits, and discussions about the film’s visual grandeur.
On Twitter (X), hashtags like #LokahFever and #ChandraMagic have trended throughout the week. Many fans shared clips of cheering crowds inside theatres, with whistles and applause echoing during the action scenes. Cameos by surprise stars have also added to the film’s buzz, leaving fans excited for the future chapters of the Lokah universe.
This fan-driven energy has transformed the film into not just a release, but a cultural moment for Malayalam cinema.
Critical Reception: A Mix of Praise and Caution
While the audience has largely embraced Lokah, critics have offered balanced perspectives. Many reviewers applauded the ambition of creating a superhero fantasy in Mollywood, highlighting Kalyani Priyadarshan’s performance and Arun Dominic’s vision.
However, some pointed out that the film’s pacing could have been tighter and that certain plot points felt rushed. Despite these observations, the general consensus is that Lokah is a step in the right direction, paving the way for sequels and spin-offs that can expand this fantasy world.
The Hindu described it as “a blazing reimagination of a home-grown myth,” while Cinema Express called it “a film that dares to dream big, and mostly succeeds.”
Lokah OTT Release: When and Where to Watch
While the film continues its strong theatrical run, fans who can’t make it to cinemas are already asking: When will Lokah release on OTT? According to industry insiders, the film’s digital rights have been acquired, but the streaming date has not yet been officially announced.
Given the current buzz, the producers are expected to hold off the OTT premiere until the theatrical revenue slows down. Fans can expect Lokah Chapter 1 – Chandra to arrive on a popular platform within a few months, ensuring global audiences can experience the magic.
For now, the makers are encouraging everyone to enjoy the film in theatres, promising that the big-screen visuals and sound design cannot be replicated on home devices.
A Turning Point for Malayalam Cinema
More than just a film, Lokah: Chapter 1 – Chandra feels like a turning point for Malayalam cinema. It shows that Mollywood can balance strong storytelling with big-budget spectacle, competing with pan-Indian films in scale and ambition.
With a growing appetite for superhero and fantasy content among audiences, Lokah has opened the doors for more home-grown franchises. If the sequels continue this momentum, Kerala could very well have its own cinematic universe to rival global blockbusters.
This success is also inspiring filmmakers in regional industries to think bigger, experiment with genres, and create experiences that go beyond the ordinary.
Conclusion
Lokah: Chapter 1 – Chandra is not just a box office hit — it’s a cultural wave that has swept across Kerala. With packed theatres, glowing fan reactions, and strong critical appreciation, the film has proven that Malayalam cinema is ready to dream on a larger canvas.
Kalyani Priyadarshan shines as the heart of the film, while director Arun Dominic’s vision lays the foundation for a powerful new franchise. As audiences wait for future chapters, one thing is certain — Lokah has already secured its place in Malayalam cinema history.