Who's the boss? Lokah Chapter 1: Chandra crushes L2 Empuraan to become Mollywood's highest-grosser of all time

The Malayalam industry has a brand-new record holder. Dominic Arun’s fantasy-action saga Lokah: Chapter One – Chandra has stormed past every rival and now sits on the throne as the highest-earning film in the language’s history.

Starring Kalyani Priyadarshan and Naslen, the feature has outpaced L2 Empuraan and a host of other mega projects to become Mollywood’s top box office champion.

Dulquer's banner delivers a thunderclap

The venture comes from Dulquer Salmaan’s home label, Wayfarer Films. The company released an extended list of venues still screening the spectacle across Kerala, proudly calling it the industry’s “biggest phenomenon.” What makes this feat even more remarkable is that the movie is already four weeks into its run since launching on August 28, and ticket counters continue to draw crowds both within India and abroad.

Numbers tell the tale

Trade trackers estimate the domestic haul at around Rs 130.50 crore net, while the worldwide gross has climbed beyond Rs 266 crore within just 23 days. This leapfrogs the lifetime totals of L2 Empuraan (Rs 105.25 crore in India, Rs 265.5 crore globally), Manjummel Boys (Rs 240.5 crore), and Thudarum (Rs 234.5 crore). With those figures, Lokah has secured its crown as Mollywood’s biggest commercial triumph.

A universe of myths and monsters

The story is only the opening chapter of a proposed five-part mythology-based series. Kalyani embodies Chandra, also known as Neeli, a supernatural yakshi drawn back into her clan by their leader Moothon, voiced by Mammootty. Her unsuspecting neighbour Sunny (Naslen) falls in love, only to stumble into forces beyond his understanding, while Inspector Nachiyappa (Sandy) gives chase.

Expanding the supernatural roster

This entry also unveils Charlie, an odiyan shapeshifter played by Dulquer himself, along with Chathan the goblin portrayed by Tovino Thomas. The climax drops breadcrumbs for a sequel focused on Chathan’s journey. Cameos from talents like Santhy Balachandran, who also co-wrote the narrative, plus Soubin Shahir, Anna Ben, and others, enrich the ensemble.

With Lokah rewriting history and promising more chapters, Malayalam cinema may have just discovered its very own superhero-style universe with a uniquely local flavour.