Fans of Nivin Pauly will have to wait a little longer to stream his debut web series Pharma. The series, which had initially been scheduled for release on JioHotstar, has been postponed to make room for Kalyani Priyadarshan’s Lokah Chapter 1: Chandra, a move that has stirred excitement among Malayalam cinema enthusiasts.
Lokah Chapter 1 Hits OTT Before Pharma
Lokah Chapter 1: Chandra, directed by Arun Dominic and produced by Dulquer Salmaan, is set for a Diwali release. Sources close to the production suggest that the movie could premiere on JioHotstar on October 23, 2025, if not on October 20. The film recently achieved a historic milestone by becoming the first Malayalam movie to gross Rs 300 crore at the global box office.
This digital release decision means Pharma, which was expected to be JioHotstar’s big Malayalam release in October, is likely to be pushed to November. The streaming platform has yet to announce a new release date for the series. Pharma follows the journey of a medical representative navigating the challenges of the pharmaceutical industry, making it one of the most awaited Malayalam web series of the year.
Lokah Chapter 1: A Modern Folklore Twist
Lokah Chapter 1: Chandra is described as an origin story for Kalyani Priyadarshan’s character, Chandra, inspired by the folklore of Kaliyankattu Neeli. The film blends vampire mythology with modern storytelling, offering a unique take on classic horror elements. The movie also features key performances from Naslen, Chandu Salimkumar, and Tovino Thomas, adding depth to the ensemble cast.
Fans can access Lokah Chapter 1 on JioHotstar through OTTplay Premium, which is expected to offer the movie in all South Indian languages. The platform is banking on the movie’s popularity, anticipating high repeat viewership due to the easter eggs hidden throughout the story.
Pharma Web Series: What to Expect
Nivin Pauly’s Pharma was initially set to stream on October 24, 2025, but the release has now been delayed. The web series also stars Rajat Kapur and Narain in pivotal roles. Set against the backdrop of the pharmaceutical industry, Pharma explores themes of ambition, ethics, and personal struggles within the corporate world.
Industry insiders note that Pharma has generated considerable buzz due to Nivin’s first venture into the digital space. Its postponement has only heightened anticipation among fans, who are eager to see the actor in a role far removed from his usual film characters.
Lokah Franchise and Future Plans
Lokah Chapter 1 is part of a five-film franchise, with the next installment set to focus on Tovino Thomas’ character, Michael. Mammootty is also joining the franchise as Moothon, sharing screen space with his son Dulquer Salmaan for the first time in this cinematic universe. The franchise aims to blend folklore, action, and mythology to create a compelling narrative that spans multiple films.
The OTT release of Lokah Chapter 1 also highlights the evolving trend of blockbuster Malayalam movies making their digital debut soon after theatrical success. This strategy not only broadens the audience reach but also positions JioHotstar as a leading platform for premium South Indian content.
How to Watch Lokah Chapter 1
Viewers can watch Lokah Chapter 1 on JioHotstar via OTTplay Premium. The platform provides access to all the latest Malayalam releases and is expected to stream Lokah in multiple South Indian languages. With its mix of folklore, modern storytelling, and action, Lokah Chapter 1 promises an engaging viewing experience for fans across age groups.
Pharma’s postponement may be a disappointment for Nivin Pauly’s followers, but the anticipation is likely to build further as Lokah Chapter 1 takes center stage this Diwali season.
In conclusion, while Nivin Pauly’s Pharma waits for a new release date, Kalyani Priyadarshan’s Lokah Chapter 1 is poised to dominate OTT viewership. The Malayalam film industry continues to innovate with digital-first strategies, ensuring fans have exciting content to look forward to. Share your thoughts on the new OTT lineup and tell your friends to catch Lokah Chapter 1 on JioHotstar this Diwali.
