Alia Bhatt took to Instagram stories on Thursday to praise the Malayalam superhero film, Lokah Chapter 1: Chandra, calling it, ‘a fresh blend of mythic folklore and mystery’. The film’s Hindi version released in theatres on September 4.
Alia Bhatt shared the film’s poster and wrote, “Such a fresh blend of mythic folklore and mystery. So happy to see the love it’s getting. This is a step in cinema that I will always be eager to show my love and support for. Lokah out today, in Hindi.”
Earlier, filmmaker Sanjay Gupta had praised the film as he called it the “best Indian film in the last few years.”
The Malayalam original, featuring Kalyani Priyadarshan in the lead, released in theatres on August 28 and has already crossed the Rs 100 crore mark at the global box office, setting a new benchmark for female-led South Indian cinema. Directed by Arun Dominic and produced by Dulquer Salmaan under the Wayfarer Films banner, Lokah Chapter 1: Chandra is positioned as the first instalment in a five-part fantasy franchise inspired by Kerala’s folklore.
The film features Naslen alongside Kalyani, with supporting performances from Chandu Salimkumar and Arun Kurian, while Tamil actor-choreographer Sandy appears as the antagonist. Actor Santhy Balachandran contributed to the additional screenplay and dramaturgy.
With its Hindi release, the makers are aiming to expand the film’s reach beyond the South Indian market, building on the strong response to its Malayalam version. The dubbed versions in Telugu and Tamil are also pulling in sizeable crowds.
Meanwhile, Alia was last seen in the Vasan Bala’s actioner, Jigra which was released in theatres last year. She will be seen next in YRF Spy Universe’s Alpha and Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Love & War which also features Ranbir Kapoor and Vicky Kaushal.