Nahas Hidhayath roots for Lokah's success to secure bigger budget for Dulquer Salmaan’s I’m Game

Director Nahas Hidhayath is rooting for Lokah Chapter 1: Chandra to strike gold at the box office. At the grand trailer launch of the film, the RDX filmmaker revealed that the upcoming fantasy spectacle's box office performance could directly influence the budget of his own upcoming project, I’m Game, headlined and co-produced by Dulquer Salmaan, who is also backing Lokah. “The promise is that if Lokah becomes a hit, I’ll be given more budget for I’m Game. That’s why I genuinely want it to succeed,” Nahas said, candidly admitting he has a personal reason to cheer for the film.

Calling Lokah director Dominic Arun a close friend, Nahas recalled their conversations when the idea was first pitched. “It wasn’t a straightforward concept. I had only heard the one-liner and kept wondering how it could be made into a film. But after watching the trailer, I was stunned. Malayalam cinema is always praised for its content, but its scale is rarely talked about. This trailer shows what happens when both come together.” Nahas also tipped his hat to Priyadarshan, crediting the veteran’s films as the spark that led him into cinema.

Headlined by Kalyani Priyadarshan and Naslen, Lokah Chapter 1: Chandra is written and directed by Tharangam-fame Dominic, with actor Santhy Balachandran attached as additional screenplay writer and dramaturgist. Produced by Dulquer Salmaan under Wayfarer Films, the film promises to blend myth and dystopia in a visual language new to Malayalam cinema. It hits cinemas worldwide on 28 August for Onam, clashing with Mohanlal’s Hridayapoorvam. Fahadh Faasil’s Odum Kuthira Chaadum Kuthira, also starring Kalyani, opens a day later to add more sparkle to the festive weekend.

Nahas' I’m Game is a cricket-driven mass entertainer that also stars Antony Varghese Pepe, Mysskin, Kathir, and Samyuktha Viswanathan in prominent roles. Mounted on a pan-Indian scale, the film will release in five languages.