Kalyani Priyadarshan’s fantasy spectacle Lokah Chapter 1: Chandra has entered the Rs 100 crore club in just six and a half days of release, according to industry trackers. The Malayalam film, produced by Dulquer Salmaan under the Wayfarer Films banner, has thus set a new benchmark for female-led South Indian cinema.
Box office tracker What The Fuss reported that Lokah is the first female-headlined South Indian release to cross the Rs 100 crore mark. Until now, the highest-grossing titles led by women in the region were Keerthy Suresh’s Mahanati (Rs 84.5 crore), Anushka Shetty’s Rudhramadevi (Rs 82 crore), Arundhati (Rs 68.5 crore) and Bhaagamathie (Rs 64 crore)--all Telugu films. By overtaking them in less than a week, Lokah has carved out a place in industry history. The film, released on August 28 alongside Mohanlal's family drama Hridayapoorvam, is also the 12th Malayalam title to reach the coveted milestone and the third fastest to do so, behind L2: Empuraan and Thudarum, both led by Mohanlal.
At the Kerala box office, Lokah has collected Rs 27 crore in six days, with numbers holding steady through its first week. The tally is projected to cross Rs 50 crore in the state by day ten, boosted by the upcoming Onam holidays. Overseas, the film has grossed over $5 million, becoming only the tenth Malayalam film to achieve that benchmark.
Directed by Arun Dominic, Lokah Chapter 1: Chandra is billed as the opening instalment of a planned five-part franchise inspired by Kerala’s folklore and retold with modern sensibilities. Kalyani plays the titular protagonist Chandra, with Naslen appearing alongside her in the lead. The film also features Chandu Salimkumar and Arun Kurian in key supporting roles, while Tamil actor-choreographer Sandy portrays the antagonist. Actor Santhy Balachandran contributed to the film’s additional screenplay and dramaturgy.
Lokah’s rapid box office performance not only consolidates Kalyani’s position as a leading star but also signals the rising strength of female-led narratives in Malayalam cinema. With its fantasy world-building and strong opening numbers, the film has set the stage for a franchise that appears poised for long-term success.
