In a massive announcement that has sent ripples across the Malayalam film industry, actor-producer Dulquer Salmaan has unveiled the highly anticipated project, LOKAH: Chapter 2. The film, which is presented by Salmaan’s Wayfarer Films, will star Tovino Thomas, one of the industry’s most versatile and popular actors, and is written and directed by Dominic Arun.
The film’s first look poster features a striking visual of Tovino Thomas alongside Salmaan himself, seated casually amidst a seemingly ancient, legend-filled backdrop. The tagline, “When Legends Chill,” immediately hints at a story that will juxtapose powerful mythological figures with a contemporary, dark-comedy sensibility.
Unpacking the Intriguing Teaser: Chathans, Legends, and a Violent Brother
The official teaser released on YouTube titled “When Legends Chill: Michael x Charlie” provides the first glimpse into the film’s unique world. The two-minute-long clip is dominated by a witty, rapid-fire Malayalam dialogue exchange between two characters. One character, seemingly a supernatural entity or a ‘Legend,’ claims his entire lineage are “chronic alcoholics” and refers to himself and his “389 brothers” as Chathans—a nod to the mischievous and powerful spirits in Kerala folklore.
The conversation reveals that the film is the second installment in a thematic series, with the first chapter implicitly referencing Kaliyankattu Neeli, a famous female spirit in regional myths. The character in the teaser boldly declares, “Chapter 2 is me, my son”, suggesting Tovino Thomas is stepping into the role of a modern-day protagonist who must confront, or perhaps collaborate with, these mythical entities. The dialogue culminates in a cryptic warning about a ‘violent’ elder brother of the Chathan who has been “outside”, setting up a potential major conflict. The entire sequence is delivered with a captivating blend of irreverence and tension.
The Michael x Charlie Mystery and Production Details
One of the most exciting and debated elements of the announcement is the inclusion of “Michael x Charlie” on the poster and in the video title. Given that Dulquer Salmaan is presenting the project, the reference suggests a narrative intersection or a shared cinematic universe, wherein new legends are being created from old ones.
LOKAH: Chapter 2 marks a compelling collaboration between two of Malayalam cinema’s biggest stars. Director Dominic Arun, known for his unique style and dark-humoured storytelling, is expected to deliver a genre-bending experience. The film is produced by Wayfarer Films, with cinematography helmed by Nimish Ravi. The project is set to explore a fascinating narrative that moves “Beyond myths. Beyond legends” to present a contemporary take on age-old stories.
