Lokah Chapter 1, directed by Dominic Arun and produced under Wayfarer Films by Dulquer Salmaan, has not only exceeded expectations — it’s smashed records. Since it arrived in theaters on 28 August 2025, this film has been a defining success of Malayalam cinema. Starring Kalyani Priyadarshan as Chandra, in roles also including Naslen, Sandy Master, Arun Kurian, and Chandu Salim Kumar, this film is being celebrated not only as one to succeed, but as one to lead by example.
Early Run & Domestic Collection Highlights
Lokah, ever since Day 1, was highly sought after. Within four days, it broke through the ₹65-crore worldwide mark, reveling in rhythmic action, lady lead dominance, and storytelling on-screen. At the 11-day mark, the movie had grossed ~₹82.6 crore across languages and became best Onam offering of the season and picked up steam through favorable word-of-mouth.
Until Day 23, Lokah’s Indian net aggregate (all languages) had reached an approximate ₹130.55 crore, estimated Indian net of ₹128.80 crore on Day 22. Indian gross collection (all languages, taxes) has been estimated in some reviews to be almost ₹157.82 crore on Day 24.
Worldwide & Overseas Performance
The overseas reception has been equally impressive. Day 24 saw Lokah reach as the global #1 Malayalam grosser replacing L2: Empuraan, reported worldwide box office crossing ~₹270–₹272 crore. Sacnilk quotes ≈ ₹271 crore worldwide on Day 25.
Lokah achieved an international gross of approximately ₹114.45 crore in Day 24 (or proximity time table), providing the film to an investment return (ROI) much larger than anticipated. Additionally, it was one of just several Malayalam films to attain ₹100 crore internationally.
Milestones & Records Broken
- It is now officially the highest-grossing Malayalam film of all time worldwide, overtaking L2: Empuraan.
- It is recognized as a female-led film, with Kalyani Priyadarshan in the central superhero role, and has become one of the highest-grossing Indian films with a female lead
- It is the third film in Malayalam to cross ₹100 crore in its original language
- It achieved a “rare triple” feat: ₹100 crore + in Kerala, ₹100 crore + overseas, plus ₹50 crore+ in the rest of India.
Budget, ROI & Financials
The film was made at an approximate cost of around ₹30 crore. That notwithstanding, Lokah’s global gross collections (₹270-₹272 crore) work out to an nearly ninefold ROI (return on investment) of production, ranking it in one of the most lucrative new entrants in recent times in Malayalam cinema.
Its Indian net vs gross also shows strong strength in distribution. Though net collection being less due to taxation and inter-state variations, overall numbers show that reach of the movie surpassed regional and language boundaries.
Audience & Critical Reception Fueling Momentum
Aside from numbers, Lokah received favorable reviews from critics. Reviews commonly praise its world-building, direction by Nimish Ravi, editing by Chaman Chakko, and soundtrack by Jakes Bejoy. The female-led superhero genre in Malayalam movies remains scarce, and this lends an added freshness as well as sense of responsibility to this movie.
The audiences have also been entertained by Kalyani Priyadarshan’s performance — essaying Chandra, an NRI who returns to Bengaluru from overseas (Sweden), joins an illegal underworld (gang specializing in organ trade), and gets reformed. The supporting cast (Naslen, Sandy Master, Arun Kurian) also assisted through good supporting roles. Good cinematography, good production design, and relatively good VFX for Malayalam releases have been frequently mentioned.
Week-by-Week Performance & Occupancy
Since its release, Lokah has enjoyed consistent theater occupancy. On Day 24 (fourth Saturday), Kerala and Indian occupancy were healthy numbers — evening and night shows often over 50-70% occupancy. On its 4th Saturday, for example, it collected an approximate ₹3.15 crore in India across all languages. On its 23rd day, it collected an estimated ₹1.75 crore net (across all languages).
Such steady performances even past the fourth weekend demonstrate healthy repeat marketplace visit and word-of-mouth, both omen of an enduring flick whose staying power persists beyond hype
OTT & Legacy
Lokah Chapter 1: Chandra is clearly positioned as part of an over-arching world — “Lokah Cinematic Universe” of comic book -style storytelling based on local mythology, lore, but world-wide-shot visuals. The Chapter 1 success makes strong odds likely for Lokah Chapter
Release over OTT has been contemplated; there’s good demand keeping in mind most foreign eyes from Kerala or India would be interested. Producer Dulquer Salmaan and actors have seen good theater run and global reach.