Lokah: Indian Cinema’s First ₹100 Crore Female-Centric Film!

Indian cinema has long celebrated its heroes, larger-than-life men who conquer enemies, save nations, and captivate audiences with charisma and might. While female characters have often played pivotal roles, few films have placed women at the absolute center of the narrative, especially in high-budget, action-heavy spectacles. This trend, however, changed with the arrival of Lokah Chapter 1: Chandra. Released on August 28, 2025, the film not only marked the dawn of a Malayalam superhero saga but also scripted history by becoming Indian cinema’s first female-led film to cross the ₹100 crore mark worldwide.

In a landscape where female-centric films often struggle for screens and budgets, Lokah stands as a symbol of change—a cinematic movement that proves that women-led stories can be commercially powerful and culturally transformative.

The Film: Story & Concept

Lokah Chapter 1: Chandra is the first installment of a planned five-part superhero cinematic universe envisioned by director Dominic Arun and backed by actor-producer Dulquer Salmaan under his banner Wayfarer Films.

At its heart lies Chandra, played by Kalyani Priyadarshan, a woman whose life takes an extraordinary turn when she discovers mystical powers tied to Indian folklore, particularly the legendary figure of Kalliyankattu Neeli. Unlike most superhero films that borrow heavily from Western comic traditions, Lokah grounds its storytelling in Indian mythology, folklore, and cultural identity.

This blending of superhero aesthetics with rooted Indian themes not only gave the film authenticity but also allowed audiences to experience a narrative that was at once fresh, familiar, and deeply resonant. Chandra is not portrayed as a victim who rises, but rather as a strong, flawed, and determined woman whose struggles mirror those of everyday women in society.

Production & Vision

The film was mounted on a significant scale, especially for Malayalam cinema. Shot over 94 days across late 2024 and early 2025, Lokah employed high-end VFX, elaborate action choreography, and a world-building approach rarely seen in regional cinema.

The technical team deserves much credit:

• Nimish Ravi’s cinematography brought a sleek yet earthy texture to the visuals.

• Jake’s Bejoy’s music provided an energetic and emotional soundscape.

• Chaman Chakko’s editing kept the pace taut while ensuring the emotional beats landed well.

Producer Dulquer Salmaan revealed that the budget was carefully managed, but no corners were cut. “Not a single penny was wasted,” he stated, underlining the ambition behind this project.

The Box Office Breakthrough

Crossing ₹100 Crore

Within its first week of release, Lokah stormed the box office and achieved the historic ₹100 crore milestone worldwide, making it the first female-centric Indian film to reach this number.

This achievement placed it above other iconic women-led blockbusters such as Mahanati (2018), Arundhati (2009), and Rudhramadevi (2015), which, despite critical acclaim and strong runs, had not breached the ₹100 crore benchmark.

Domestic Success

By the end of week one, the film grossed nearly ₹46 crore nett domestically, with strong holds in Kerala and neighboring states. Cities like Kollam and Alappuzha recorded occupancy rates of over 80%, reflecting phenomenal local support. While metros like Mumbai and Delhi-NCR saw lower turnout, the South Indian heartland provided the momentum that propelled Lokah to box office glory.

Global Reach

Internationally, Lokah tapped into the Malayali diaspora and broader South Indian audience base, bringing the global tally to ₹100 crore+ within seven days. This made it the 12th Malayalam film to enter the ₹100 crore club and the third fastest, behind only Mohanlal’s L2: Empuraan and Thudarum.

Critical Reception

Critics across India praised Lokah for its ambitious world-building, powerful female protagonist, and balance of entertainment with mythological depth.

• Nag Ashwin, director of Kalki 2898 AD, called it “a great start for Malayalam superhero cinema.”

• Bollywood filmmaker Sanjay Gupta went further, describing it as the “best Indian film in the last few years.”

The film was lauded not just for its spectacle but also for Kalyani Priyadarshan’s commanding performance. She infused Chandra with both vulnerability and raw power, ensuring the character became more than just a superhero figure; she became an emotional anchor for audiences.

Cultural Impact

The significance of Lokah extends far beyond the box office.

A Milestone for Female-Centric Cinema

Historically, female-centric films in India have been categorized as “niche” or “content-driven,” often struggling to secure large budgets and wide distribution. Lokah has smashed that ceiling by proving that a female superhero film can attract mass audiences, justify a big budget, and deliver commercial blockbusters.

Inspiration for Future Storytelling

With its success, Lokah paves the way for more female-led blockbusters across Indian cinema. It is likely to inspire producers and filmmakers to invest in stories where women are not just side characters but protagonists driving large-scale narratives.

Controversy & Resolution

The film was not without challenges. A dialogue that labeled Bengaluru women as “characterless” sparked protests in Karnataka. The makers quickly apologized and announced the removal of the line from future versions. This incident, while momentarily controversial, also highlighted the increased scrutiny and responsibility that comes with creating culturally impactful cinema.

Piracy Threat

Like many major releases, Lokah faced piracy leaks within days of its premiere. Despite these setbacks, the film’s strong word of mouth and theatrical experience ensured audiences continued to prefer cinemas. However, this underscored the persistent threat piracy poses to Indian cinema, particularly when high-budget, experimental projects are at stake.

The Future: The Lokah Cinematic Universe

Lokah Chapter 1: Chandra is just the beginning. Post-credit scenes hinted at the expansion of the universe:

• Tovino Thomas is expected to lead Lokah Chapter 2.

• Dulquer Salmaan himself is rumored to headline Chapter 3.

• More characters and mythologies will be explored in future chapters, creating India’s own interconnected superhero franchise.

The vision is clear: build a pan-Indian superhero universe rooted in Indian stories, myths, and values while maintaining global appeal.

Conclusion

Lokah Chapter 1: Chandra is more than just another box office hit—it is a watershed moment in Indian cinema. By crossing the ₹100 crore milestone, it has rewritten the rules for female-centric films, proving that stories led by women can dominate both creatively and commercially.

Its success lies not only in spectacle but in storytelling that honors Indian culture while pushing the boundaries of cinematic imagination. As the first chapter of a larger superhero universe, it has given audiences a new icon in Chandra and signaled that the future of Indian cinema will increasingly embrace diversity in its heroes.

Lokah is not just a film; it is a movement, a cultural reset, and a proud milestone that future generations of Indian filmmakers and audiences will look back on as the moment when the glass ceiling of female-led blockbusters was finally shattered.