Wayfarer Films, the production banner led by actor Dulquer Salmaan, issued an official statement on Tuesday after a dialogue in the recent sensation, Lokah Chapter 1: Chandra, allegedly hurt the sentiments of people from Karnataka. It is believed that the controversy has been triggered by a misogynistic remark about Bengaluru women made by the film's antagonist, Nachiyappa, played by Sandy.
“At Wayfarer Films, we place people above everything else. We deeply regret this oversight and assure you that no offence was intended. The dialogue in question will be removed/edited at the earliest,” the statement read. The team also tendered a formal apology and requested that audiences accept it.
Lokah had earlier courted controversy for allegedly promoting “anti-Hindu propaganda”. More recently, it has been accused of portraying Bengaluru as “a hub of parties and drugs” and “demeaning girls of Bengaluru”. Citing these reasons, several social media users have demanded the removal of certain dialogues and scenes. On Tuesday, Bengaluru Police Commissioner Seemant Kumar Singh confirmed that the social media monitoring cell of the Central Crime Branch would examine the matter and necessary action would be taken if any violations were found.
National Award-winning Kannada filmmaker Mansore also weighed in, pointing out a recurring pattern in cinema. “In Kannada film Bheema, Malayalam films Officer on Duty, Aavesham, and now Lokah, Bengaluru is being portrayed as the capital of drugs and crime. Once upon a time, it was represented in movies as a beautiful town... It has come to such a state due to uncontrolled migration,” he wrote.
The controversy comes even as the film, directed by Dominic Arun, continues its remarkable box office run. Despite clashing with Mohanlal’s Hridayapoorvam and Fahadh Faasil’s Odum Kuthira Chaadum Kuthira, the Kalyani Priyadarshan-starrer has emerged as the clear winner of the Onam season, drawing strong reviews and packed houses in Kerala and beyond. With brisk advance bookings across platforms and growing traction in Tamil and Telugu dubbed versions, the fantasy drama is fast expanding its reach in neighbouring states.