n a historic moment for Malayalam cinema, Lokah: Chapter 1 – Chandra, starring Kalyani Priyadarshan, has officially become the highest-grossing Malayalam film ever, surpassing the previous record held by L2: Empuraan. Directed by Dominic Arun and produced by Dulquer Salmaan under Wayfarer Films, the fantasy-action epic has grossed over ₹271 crore worldwide within just a month of its release.
Released on August 28, 2025, Lokah has captivated audiences with its unique blend of dark fantasy, mythology, and modern-day crime. Kalyani Priyadarshan plays Chandra, a mysterious woman drawn into the sinister world of organ trafficking in Bengaluru. Her powerful performance has been widely praised, marking a milestone as the highest-grossing South Indian film led by a female star.
The film’s success is not limited to box office numbers. It has also broken records on BookMyShow, becoming the first Malayalam film to sell over five million tickets on the platform. With strong theatrical occupancy rates and continued audience interest, Lokah has proven to be a pan-India phenomenon, performing well in its dubbed Tamil, Telugu, and Hindi versions.
Producer Dulquer Salmaan, who also appears in a cameo as a sword-wielding Odiyan named Charlie, expressed his gratitude on social media, calling the film “an industry hit powered by pure teamwork.” With plans for a five-part superhero cinematic universe, Lokah is just the beginning. The next installment will reportedly focus on Tovino Thomas’s character Chathan, while Dulquer is expected to take center stage in Chapter 3.