Actor-producer Dulquer Salmaan has opened up about the unexpected challenges his fantasy action film Lokah: Chapter 1 – Chandra faced before securing an OTT release. Months after the theatrical run, the star revealed that no streaming platform initially wanted to buy the film, even with cameo appearances from him and actor Tovino Thomas.

Speaking to The Hollywood Reporter, Dulquer admitted that the OTT negotiations were tougher than expected.

“We went twice over the budget, and nobody wanted to buy the film,” he said. “Tovino and I were there, but they were like, ‘You are barely there for a few minutes’.”

He explained that many digital platforms today evaluate projects based on how long a star appears on screen, instead of the overall quality of the film.

“Their deal will be like, if you are there for this many minutes, we’ll pay you X amount. I’ve been part of such films,” he added.

Dulquer was initially not interested in acting in ‘Lokah’

Interestingly, Dulquer earlier confessed that he did not want to act in the film despite being its producer. His cameo as Charlie aka Odiyan, which later became one of the film’s standout moments, happened only after a long debate with the team.

“I fought with them for it,” he said. “I told them, ‘You should be able to make it without me.’ Even the cameo—I fought with them.”

Fans eventually praised the mysterious introduction of his character, amplified by Jakes Bejoy’s powerful background score.