Malayalam cinema’s most discussed mystery has finally been solved. On September 7, actor-producer Dulquer Salmaan confirmed that his father, legendary superstar Mammootty, indeed played the elusive role of ‘Moothon’ (The Elder) in Lokah Chapter 1: Chandra. The revelation, perfectly timed with Mammootty’s 74th birthday, delighted fans and ended months of heated speculation.
Dulquer made the announcement on Instagram, posting a shadowy silhouette of a man holding a stick alongside the caption: “Happy Birthday Moothon.” The confirmation immediately went viral, with fans celebrating the superstar’s subtle yet impactful presence in the fantasy thriller.
‘Moothon’ had only a fleeting appearance in the film — a single dialogue, a hand, and a voice, but no face. This deliberate ambiguity had fans convinced Mammootty was the man behind the mystery, though neither the filmmakers nor the cast confirmed it at the time. With Dulquer’s post, the speculation has officially ended.
Wayfarer Films, Dulquer’s production banner and the studio behind Lokah, also marked the announcement with a special poster that read: “Happy Birthday Moothon. You have our eternal love.” Actress Kalyani Priyadarshan, who headlined the film, added her own tribute by sharing a behind-the-scenes picture with Mammootty from the sets.
“I remember the day he walked in as a surprise. All of us froze the moment we saw him. His aura is always the same — light, funny, effortless. That’s just the kind of person he is, someone who inspires without trying. I just hope with this film, we’ve made him proud. Happy birthday to our Moothon,” Kalyani wrote on Instagram.
For fans, the revelation came as the perfect birthday treat, adding another unique role to Mammootty’s illustrious career. Social media was flooded with celebratory posts, with many calling it a “masterstroke cameo” that added depth to the film’s lore.
Directed by Dominic Arun, Lokah Chapter 1: Chandra has been a landmark success, crossing the ₹100 crore mark at the box office. Touted as the first installment in the Wayfarer Cinematic Universe (WCU), the film introduces Malayalam cinema’s first female superhero, played by Kalyani Priyadarshan. With supporting roles by Naslen, Sandy, and others, the narrative explores myth, folklore, and supernatural elements deeply rooted in Kerala’s cultural heritage.
With Mammootty’s presence now confirmed, Lokah carries even greater significance for fans of the veteran actor. What was once just speculation has now become an iconic reveal — one that blends legacy with the future of Malayalam cinema’s superhero storytelling.