On the occasion of Mammootty’s 74th birthday, his son, actor-producer Dulquer Salmaan, who heads the banner Wayfarer Films, ended days of speculation by confirming that the veteran actor had made a hidden appearance in the Kalyani Priyadarshan-starrer Lokah Chapter 1: Chandra. A specially designed poster, unveiled online with the greeting “Happy Birthday Moothon,” revealed that Mammootty was indeed the voice and presence behind the enigmatic character of Moothon.

In the film, Moothon appears only briefly, heard in a single line of dialogue and shown through the gesture of a hand. The figure is depicted as a higher, fatherly figure to the titular Chandra, a guiding presence whom she unquestioningly follows. Viewers had long suspected Mammootty’s involvement, but the absence of an on-screen appearance kept the mystery alive until this official acknowledgement.

Meanwhile, Lokah Chapter 1: Chandra continues to make headlines for its commercial run. Released on August 28 during the Onam season, the fantasy epic crossed Rs 100 crore worldwide within its first week and, after 11 days, is now inching towards the coveted Rs 200 crore mark. At the Kerala box office, the film has reportedly collected Rs 58 crore, while overseas receipts have already crossed the 10 million dollar threshold, a feat previously achieved only by Mohanlal’s L2: Empuraan and Thudarum.

Directed by Dominic Arun, Lokah Chapter 1: Chandra is conceived as the opening chapter in a planned five-part franchise drawing from Kerala’s folklore, retold with modern sensibilities. Kalyani plays the titular protagonist Chandra, with Naslen alongside her in the lead. The cast also features Chandu Salimkumar and Arun Kurian in key supporting roles, while Tamil actor-choreographer Sandy appears as the antagonist.