Malayalam cinema’s latest sensation Lokah Chapter 1: Chandra has found a new admirer in veteran actor Jayaram. Speaking at the Kerala press meet of his new Telugu film Mirai, Jayaram said the Kalyani Priyadarshan-starrer outshines even the most expensive big-budget blockbusters.

“Lokah is greater than films made with budgets of 100 crore or more, which spend around 25 crore just on graphics,” he noted, adding that the film’s technical team deserves “100 per cent applause” and that the world should take note of how much has been achieved on a relatively modest scale.

Reportedly made on a budget of around 30 crore, Lokah has stormed past 200 crore globally, placing it fourth on the all-time Malayalam worldwide grossers list, behind Thudarum (Rs 235 crore), Manjummel Boys (Rs 241 crore) and L2: Empuraan (Rs 265 crore).

Released on August 28 for Onam, Lokah Chapter 1: Chandra is written and directed by Dominic Arun, with additional screenplay and dramaturgy by actor Santhy Balachandran. Reimagining a beloved Kerala folklore with a superhero-inspired twist, it marks the first chapter in a five-part cinematic universe.

The film also stars Naslen in the lead role, alongside Chandu Salimkumar, Arun Kurian, Nishant Sagar and Vijayaraghavan. Tamil actor-choreographer Sandy plays the antagonist. The makers also recently confirmed that Mammootty appeared as the mysterious Moothon, a character set to return in future instalments. It is backed by actor Dulquer Salmaan under the banner of Wayfarer Films.