‘Lokah Chapter 1: Chandra’ heads to OTT after record-breaking theatrical run; date announced

Malayalam cinema’s record-breaking fantasy-action blockbuster ‘Lokah Chapter 1: Chandra’, starring Kalyani Priyadarshan, is all set for its digital premiere. The Dominic Arun directorial, produced by Dulquer Salmaan’s Wayfarer Films, will begin streaming on JioHotstar from October 31, following a phenomenal theatrical run that made it the highest-grossing Malayalam film of all time.

Streaming details revealed

Wayfarer Films officially announced the OTT release on X with a new poster celebrating the film’s success.

“The world of Lokah unfolds exclusively on JioHotstar, streaming from October 31st,” the post read.

The film, which initially opened in theatres on August 28, will be available on the platform in multiple languages – including Malayalam, Tamil, Telugu, Hindi, Kannada and Bengali – bringing its mythological universe to a wider audience across India and abroad.

A record-breaking theatrical run

‘Lokah Chapter 1: Chandra’ received overwhelming reviews upon its release and went on to earn over ₹300 crore worldwide, making it the top-grossing film in Kerala’s history. The fantasy epic marked a milestone in Malayalam cinema by introducing its first female superhero, played by Kalyani Priyadarshan.

The movie tells the story of Chandra/Neeli, a yakshi-vampire caught between myth and modernity, who faces off against an arrogant policeman named Nachiyappa, played by Sandy Master. The film combines elements of folklore, fantasy, and modern-day heroism, while exploring themes of strength, destiny, and compassion.

Mythology meets modern superhero cinema

Directed and written by Dominic Arun, the film blends mythological motifs with emotional storytelling and cutting-edge visual effects. Produced under Dulquer Salmaan’s Wayfarer Films, the cast also includes Naslen, Sandy Master, Arun Kurian, Chandu Salim Kumar, Nishanth Sagar, Raghunath Paleri, Vijayaraghavan, Nithya Shri and Sarath Sabha.

The music, composed by Jakes Bejoy, has received praise for its ability to elevate the film’s scale and emotional tone, with the background score becoming one of its standout elements.

Expanding the ‘Lokah’ universe

Following the film’s massive box-office success, the makers confirmed that ‘Lokah Chapter 2’ is already in development. The sequel will be headlined by Tovino Thomas, who plays a chathan (goblin) named Michael, expanding the cinematic universe further.

Dulquer Salmaan, who appeared in Chapter 1 as Charlie, an odiyan-ninja, is also expected to return. A short teaser titled When Legends Chill: Michael x Charlie was released recently, sparking intense anticipation for the next instalment.

Having completed 50 successful days in theatres and still running in over 200 screens, ‘Lokah Chapter 1: Chandra’ continues to prove the growing pan-India appeal of Malayalam cinema.