Directors Dominic Arun and Santhy Balachandran discuss the film’s unexpected success and creative journey.
Filmmaker Dominic Arun and co-writer Santhy Balachandran recently reflected on the remarkable success of their Malayalam movie, Lokah Chapter 1: Chandra. Released on August 28, 2025, the film quickly gained blockbuster status, marking a significant moment in Arun’s career. This fantasy adventure introduces a league of superheroes, prominently featuring Chandra, a centuries-old female vampire, portrayed by Kalyani Priyadarshan. The plot intertwines Chandra’s story with those of criminals involved in organ trafficking, a corrupt policeman named Nachiyappa, and her shy neighbor Sunny.
The film’s innovative narrative explores Chandra’s transformation into a vampire and her relationships with Sunny and other superheroes. Notable cameos from actors like Tovino Thomas and Dulquer Salmaan, who produced the film through Wayfarer Films, contribute to the expansive universe the movie aims to create, reminiscent of Hollywood’s Marvel adaptations. Arun noted that anticipation for Lokah had been building prior to its release, particularly due to its status as the first woman-led superhero film in Malayalam cinema. Both Arun and Salmaan believed in the film’s potential, although the overwhelming positive reception was beyond their expectations.
Arun described the excitement surrounding late-night screenings on the release date, noting a significant surge in audience turnout by the following day. This enthusiasm extended beyond Kerala, reaching audiences in Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Mumbai, the Gulf countries, and the UK. Arun expressed that the past three weeks had been a whirlwind of promotional events, as he traveled extensively to engage with fans and promote the film. His insights reveal a journey of growth; after the initial drafts of Lokah, the story expanded significantly when Dulquer Salmaan suggested adding more characters and depth, reinforcing the belief that ambitious projects resonate with audiences.
Despite facing criticism regarding Priyadarshan’s performance, Arun defended his creative choices, stating that he intentionally directed her in a way that may have come off as stoic. He emphasized the film’s attempt to present Kerala’s folklore through a progressive lens, showcasing characters that defy traditional malevolent archetypes. Arun believes in the intelligence of audiences, asserting that they do not need to be overly guided through the narrative. His approach aimed to keep the storytelling straightforward, relying on visual cues rather than excessive exposition.
Lokah marks Arun’s second feature film, following his 2017 project, Tharangam, which faced challenges at the box office. Reflecting on that experience, Arun shared that it left him questioning his abilities as a filmmaker. However, encouragement from family and friends, coupled with the rise of streaming platforms, reignited his passion for filmmaking. The success of films like Minnal Murali, which featured Tovino Thomas, inspired him to pursue his vision of superhero films in India.
In 2022, Arun began writing Lokah, collaborating with Balachandran to enrich the narrative with layers of female experience. Balachandran’s input was crucial in shaping the film’s perspective, as she brought her background in visual anthropology to the project. Together, they crafted a story that explores the coexistence of supernatural beings and humans, introducing characters through the lens of Sunny and his friends. The collaboration was described by Balachandran as an exciting process, highlighting the creative synergy among the team.
