Celebrated Malayalam filmmaker Anjali Menon, best known for helming Bangalore Days and scripting Usthad Hotel, has joined the chorus of praise for the Kalyani Priyadarshan-starrer Lokah Chapter 1: Chandra, calling the film a “fabulous” cultural crossover that blends Kerala’s legends with the global language of superheroes.
Taking to social media on Friday, Anjali lauded the team led by director Dominic Arun and co-writer Santhy Balachandran, noting how the film bridges generations of storytelling. She wrote that Lokah offers “a cultural crossover platform between generations of storytelling” and commended the conviction and creativity behind the ambitious project. She also congratulated the cast and crew, including Kalyani, Naslen, Tovino Thomas, Sayonara Philip, Nimish Ravi, Jakes Bejoy, Rajakrishnan MR and Dulquer Salmaan, whose Wayfarer Films backed the venture.
Lokah, which was released on August 28 during Onam, has emerged as a box office phenomenon. Reportedly made on a budget of around Rs 30 crore, the film has already crossed the Rs 200 crore mark globally, becoming only the fourth Malayalam film to achieve such a feat.
Lokah reimagines Kerala folklore through a superhero lens, positioning itself as the opening chapter in a planned five-part cinematic universe. Alongside Kalyani in the titular role, the film features Naslen, Chandu Salimkumar, Arun Kurian, Nishanth Sagar and Vijayaraghavan, with Tamil actor-choreographer Sandy making his Malayalam debut as the antagonist. Mammootty appears in a surprise role as the enigmatic Moothon, a character set to return in future instalments.
Adding to the excitement, the makers also officially unveiled Dulquer and Tovino's cameos as Charlie / Odiyan and Micheal / Chathan, respectively.