Costume designer Archana Akhil Rao has unveiled the design journey behind Kalyani Priyadarshan’s superhero look in Lokah Chapter 1: Chandra, the Malayalam blockbuster that has taken the box office by storm.
Sharing sketches, fabric explorations and trial shots on social media on Friday, Archana wrote that the outfit was crafted to layer “strength with subtle detail,” featuring a textured ombré scarf, leather and suede gloves, boots with adjustable hooks, and a dramatic red cape.
“This look gives Chandra her undeniable presence, shaping India’s first female superhero,” Archana captioned, expressing gratitude to director Dominic Arun, cinematographer Nimish Ravi, and producer Dulquer Salmaan for trusting her with the vision. She also credited Kalyani for bringing the character to life “with so much power and grace that the character feels unforgettable.”
Archana’s post included detailed breakdowns of Chandra’s costume, from hanging charms at the waist to scarf drape explorations, reflecting a design approach that balanced functionality with dramatic flair. “This project will always be special, not just for the milestone it represents, but for the incredible people I got to create with,” she added, acknowledging her design team led by Rashmi Angara.
Lokah, reportedly made on a budget of around Rs 30 crore, has already crossed the Rs 200 crore mark globally, making it only the fourth Malayalam film to achieve the milestone. Released on August 28 for Onam, the film reimagines a beloved Kerala folklore with a superhero twist and marks the first chapter in a planned five-part cinematic universe.
Alongside Kalyani in the titular role, the film stars Naslen, Chandu Salimkumar, Arun Kurian, Nishanth Sagar and Vijayaraghavan. Tamil actor-choreographer Sandy makes his Malayalam debut as the antagonist, while Mammootty appears in a surprise role as the mysterious Moothon, a character confirmed to return in future instalments.
