Lokah: Chapter 1 - Chandra has raised an unexpected tempest in Malayalam cinema after its theatrical release on August 28, 2025. Wayfarer Films' fantasy superhero film is introducing Kalyani Priyadarshan as the lead character Chandra, a supernatural female who arrives in Bangalore and gets entangled with an organ trafficking crime syndicate.
The film is valued for its fresh storytelling through Kerala folklore, robust visual effects, intense action scenes, and authoritative performances.
The story of Lokah covers Chandra's secret existence as Kalliyankattu Neeli, a centuries-old yakshi (mythical vampire being) who was hired by a priest with the same age to ensure balance in the world.
The film combines dark mythological fantasy and mundane urban settings, exploring themes of power, trauma, and belonging in Chandra's search. Side characters consist of Nachiyappa, the villain who is flawed and ultimately becomes a yaksha as well, and Sunny, a young boy who learns her secrets.
Unconventional use of the superhero genre by the film, especially with a female hero as the protagonist, is a major milestone in Indian cinema.
Lokah is already the biggest Malayalam-grossing film of all time and one of the largest Indian releases of 2025, grossing over Rs 280 crore worldwide. Ever since the huge success, the audience has been expecting its OTT release impatiently.
However, Dulquer Salmaan recently dropped a hint on social media that Lokah will never arrive on streaming platforms anytime soon. As against overall speculation about the release of the movie in October 2025 on Netflix, the producer asks viewers to disregard rumors and keep waiting for an official announcement.
The hold-up in digital streaming of the movie is a testament to the ongoing great performance at the box office, with the producers vying to drive the highest revenue from theatres.
As well as this, Lokah: Chapter 2 has been announced already, with the promise of continuing to expand the affluent world and mythology established in the first picture.
Briefly, while Lokah: Chapter 1 - Chandra continues to fascinate audiences with its bold plot and depth of culture, its OTT release is expected later this month or subsequently. The audience is requested to watch the film on big screen and continue waiting for news of its digital release.
