Lokah Chapter 1: Chandra – A Superhero Hit

A fresh director with just one film under his belt. An innovative movie revolving around a female superhero. A youthful cast with limited star power. At first glance, Lokah Chapter 1: Chandra appeared to be a daring move for Malayalam cinema. Yet, upon its global release on August 28, it surpassed expectations, receiving widespread praise. Critics lauded it as one of the year’s finest Indian films, highlighting its breathtaking visual effects, exhilarating action scenes, and the bold introduction of a new superhero universe. With theaters worldwide filling up, it’s swiftly becoming a blockbuster.

The narrative follows the enigmatic Chandra, a mysterious girl who arrives in Bangalore and moves into a house across from three friends—Sunny, Chandu, and Naijil. Her presence triggers a series of events that disrupt their lives. Who is Chandra? What secrets does she hold? Where did she come from? The film gradually answers these questions in a captivating storyline.

Produced on a Dh15 million budget by Dulquer Salmaan’s Wayfarer Films, the movie marks the first entry in a superhero series based on Kerala folklore. The film’s stars—Kalyani Priyadarshan, Naslen Ghafoor, Chandu Salim Kumar, Arun Kurian, and director Dominic Arun—visited the UAE to promote the film. Dulquer Salmaan, who likened his role as a producer to a parent, made a surprise appearance to join the team in their promotional efforts.

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Khaleej Times spoke with the team to uncover the journey of bringing this film to life.

What inspired you to invest in this project?

Dulquer Salmaan: I love experimental movies because it feels like taking a gamble on cinema. Historically, ambitious films that remain true to the art and respect the audience have always been rewarding.

We aimed to set the tone for the cinema in this first installment. Without this world-building, people wouldn’t have believed in a franchise or future films. If it was a budget-cutting venture, they might think it’s just a small experiment. So, we went all in.

How does it feel being a producer?

Dulquer Salmaan: I strive to be a hands-on yet hands-off producer, akin to parenting. I avoid micromanaging and delving too deep into details. I viewed the final version of Lokah in a public theater screening. I may watch some rushes or an edit cut, but I enjoy being pleasantly surprised by the final music, VFX, and more. I love being somewhat in the dark about these elements.

How did you conceive the idea of a female superhero rooted in Malayalam folklore?

Dominic: Creating a female superhero movie was not a deliberate attempt to break conventions. I developed a script from something I was deeply fascinated by. After my last film didn’t perform well, I experienced self-doubt. Production houses were hesitant to invest heavily in a female superhero movie.

Upon pitching to Wayfarer Films, they embraced the story wholeheartedly. We debated whether Chandra was the right starting point or if a male superhero with a bigger star would be better, but Dulquer was sure this was the right direction.

What was your reaction to the script?

Arun: Dominic, a long-time friend, shared the idea with our group in 2022. I always wanted him to pursue it because it was a fantastic concept, and with strong backing, he would do it justice. Initially not part of the cast, I was thrilled to join just before filming began.

Kalyani: The script intrigued me, but I questioned if I was capable and if Dominic could execute it. I contacted people who knew him to gauge his filmmaking skill. They confirmed he was technically skilled and capable.

How did you prepare for the role of Chandra?

Kalyani: I trained for months in Muay Thai and boxing to appear natural in fight scenes. It was an ongoing process, and I continue to train. My trainer pushed me beyond my limits. While some actions like summersaults were hard to train for, our action choreographer guided me through challenging sequences.

Share some memorable moments from the shoot.

Chandu: On December 31, 2024, at midnight, I was suspended against a wall with Kalyani attacking me. I initially thought it was a bad omen, but now see it as symbolic of reaching great heights.

Naslen: It was my first time having a personal caravan. Chandu, Arun, and I would hang out there, with Dominic joining post-shoot. Meeting stars like Dulquer Salmaan and Mammootty was nerve-wracking yet a valuable learning experience. Knowing it was a groundbreaking film, I wanted to be part of this cinematic movement.

What were your feelings as the release approached?

Dominic: I barely slept the week before release. We had extensive work, with the final output ready a day prior, leading to many all-nighters. I was anxious about audience reception, feeling a mix of emotions.

Kalyani: I have superstitions, so I avoid watching the first show and reading reviews until 3pm. I set my WhatsApp status to “do not disturb until 3pm,” but the missed calls indicated positive feedback.

Naslen: I was nervous. Arun humorously captured my anxious expressions, sharing them as memes. Since the story unfolds through my perspective, I worried about effectively conveying it. I’m now grateful for the positive feedback.

What can we anticipate from future installments?

Dominic: The final scene of Lokah Chapter 1: Chandra hints at future developments. We aim to expand this universe, delve into backstories, and introduce new characters, making it grander.

Dulquer: Initially planning four or five installments, the film’s success has opened endless possibilities. We aim to remain true to Malayalam folklore and culture, allowing audiences nationwide to appreciate our micro-cultural history.

Favorite superhero

Chandu: Batman

Naslen: Superman

Kalyani: Deadpool

Arun: Superman

One superhero power

Chandu: I prefer no superpowers, like Batman

Naslen: Flying

Kalyani: Teleportation

Arun: Teleportation