Actor-writer Santhy Balachandran, who wrote the additional screenplay and handled dramaturgy for the Kalyani Priyadarshan-Naslen starrer Lokah Chapter 1: Chandra, has penned a touching social media note honouring the women who helped shape the film on and off screen.
In a carousel post accompanied by behind-the-scenes photographs, Santhy spotlighted the contributions of female crew members and performers whose work, she said, brought “talent, commitment and energy” to the set each day.
“Our film would not be what it is without the women of Lokah,” she wrote, recalling the humour, care and focus they maintained during a demanding shoot and post-production schedule. She invited anyone inadvertently left out of her tribute to comment so she could thank them individually.
The post named several key contributors, including camera associate, assistant director, hairstylist, production associate, colourist, audio team members, costume designer, associate action choreographer, and actors such as Durga C Vinod, Jeiya and Shivakamy Shyamaprasad.
Santhy also expressed gratitude to Kalyani, who plays the titular Chandra, noting how fully the actor embraced the role. “The girl who embraced Chandra with all of herself,” she wrote alongside one of the images. In addition, she acknowledged the supportive men on the set, led by director Dominic Arun, who helped foster a positive and safe working environment.
The post arrives as Lokah Chapter 1: Chandra continues its extraordinary run at the box office. Starring Kalyani in the lead and produced by Dulquer Salmaan’s Wayfarer Films, the fantasy extravaganza has emerged as the runaway winner of the Onam season, far outpacing competitors such as Mohanlal-Sathyan Anthikad's Hridayapoorvam. Hailed as a rare female-led superhero film from Malayalam cinema, Lokah is breaking new ground both in its genre positioning and in its reception. The film’s success has been celebrated as a landmark, with audiences praising its scale, ambition and storytelling.
