Malayalam actress Parvathy Thiruvothu recently praised Kalyani Priyadarshan for her role in the blockbuster film Lokah Chapter 1 Chandra, calling it a powerful step for women in cinema. The movie, released on August 28, 2025, marks the first female led superhero story in Malayalam films and has drawn massive crowds with its mix of folklore and action.
Parvathy’s Strong Endorsement
Parvathy shared her thoughts on social media, highlighting Kalyani’s hard work in bringing the character Chandra to life. She described Chandra as a myth and legend now living among us, thanks to Kalyani’s grit.
This shoutout comes at a time when discussions about strong female roles in Indian films are heating up. Parvathy, known for her advocacy through groups like the Women in Cinema Collective, also commended co writer Santhy Balachandran for adding a unique female perspective to the story.
The praise has sparked more interest in the film, with fans sharing their own positive reactions online. Industry insiders see this as a boost for more diverse storytelling in regional cinema.
Inside Lokah Chapter 1 Chandra
The film tells the story of a young woman named Chandra who discovers supernatural powers amid personal struggles and rising evil forces. Directed by Dominic Arun, it stars Kalyani Priyadarshan in the lead, with Naslen, Tovino Thomas, and Dulquer Salmaan in key roles.
Produced under Dulquer Salmaan’s Wayfarer Films, this is the first installment in a planned cinematic universe. The script, co written by Santhy Balachandran and the director, draws from Kerala’s rich folklore to create a fresh superhero narrative.
Critics have noted the film’s high production values, including stunning visuals and action sequences set in a transformed Bengaluru. Principal photography wrapped up in January 2025 after 94 days of shooting.
Early reviews highlight Kalyani’s confident performance as a fierce hero. The movie blends emotional depth with thrilling fights, making it appealing to a wide audience.
Box Office Triumph and Records
Lokah Chapter 1 Chandra has shattered expectations at the box office since its release. It opened strong and continues to draw full houses, especially in Kerala during the Onam season.
By day 3, the film collected around 13.95 crore rupees in India, with estimates showing steady growth. Worldwide figures place it among the top Malayalam grossers of 2025, surpassing several recent releases.
Here is a quick look at its early box office performance:
Day | India Net Collection (in Crore Rupees) | Key Notes |
---|---|---|
Day 1 | 2.6 | Strong opening in Kerala theaters |
Day 2 | 4.5 | Positive word of mouth boosts attendance |
Day 3 | 6.85 | Weekend surge, enters top 10 Mollywood list |
Day 4 | 0.35 (estimated) | Steady hold despite competition |
This success contrasts with typical women centric films that often struggle commercially. Lokah has nearly doubled the earnings of competitors like Hridayapoorvam in its first few days.
Experts attribute this to smart marketing, star power, and timely release during festivals. The film’s appeal extends beyond Kerala, with dubbed versions gaining traction in other states.
Breaking Barriers in Malayalam Cinema
Lokah stands out as a milestone for female representation in Malayalam films. While the industry excels in realistic stories, critics often point out the lack of strong women leads.
Parvathy’s support underscores this shift. She has long called for better roles for women, and Lokah delivers with a superhero origin story rooted in local myths.
The involvement of a female writer ensures authentic portrayal, avoiding common pitfalls in male dominated scripts. This could inspire more such projects, following global trends like Wonder Woman or Captain Marvel.
Fans appreciate how the film addresses themes of empowerment and destiny. It entertains while sparking conversations about gender equality in entertainment.
Comparisons and Future Prospects
Compared to other 2025 releases, Lokah ranks high with an IMDb rating of 8.4. It has outperformed films like Sumathi Valavu in global earnings.
During Onam 2025, it competes with titles such as Mohanlal’s Hridayapoorvam and Fahadh Faasil’s Odum Kuthira Chaadum Kuthira. Yet, its unique genre gives it an edge.
Looking ahead, the cinematic universe setup hints at sequels. Industry buzz suggests crossovers with other Wayfarer projects, building excitement.
Logical reasoning points to sustained success if word of mouth continues. Recent events, like celebrity endorsements, add to its momentum.
Key highlights from fan reactions include:
- Impressive action scenes that rival Hollywood standards.
- Emotional storyline connecting with younger viewers.
- Kalyani’s powerful screen presence as a role model.
This film solves a gap in diverse heroes, informing audiences about cultural folklore in a fun way.
What do you think about Lokah Chapter 1 Chandra’s impact on cinema? Share your views in the comments and spread the word to friends who love movies.