The cinematic universe of ‘Lokah’ has officially expanded, moving from a historic run at the global box office to an anticipated digital premiere. Lokah: Chapter 1 – Chandra, the superhero fantasy film that set a new benchmark for Malayalam cinema by crossing the ₹300 crore mark worldwide, has begun streaming on JioHotstar. The film, which hit theaters on August 28, 2025, has captivated audiences with its blend of mythology, high-end visuals, and a compelling female lead. Its release on the OTT platform on October 31st, after an eight-week theatrical window, has thrilled fans who were eagerly awaiting its digital availability.
A Pan-India Phenomenon: Multi-Language Streaming
In a move that underscores the film’s pan-Indian appeal, Lokah: Chapter 1 – Chandra is not just an exclusively Malayalam offering. The digital release caters to a vast national audience, streaming in an impressive total of seven languages. Viewers can now experience the story in Malayalam, Telugu, Hindi, Tamil, Kannada, Bengali, and Marathi, making the superhero origin story accessible across India and beyond. The Hindi version, in particular, has garnered significant interest, allowing non-Malayalam-speaking fans to catch the cinematic spectacle they missed on the big screen.
The Lore of Chandra: Female Superhero Takes Center Stage
Directed by Dominic Arun and produced by actor Dulquer Salmaan under his banner Wayfarer Films, the film introduces Malayalam cinema’s first-ever female superhero. Kalyani Priyadarshan stars as Chandra, a mysterious woman who arrives in Bengaluru, later discovering her link to the powerful female spirit of Kerala folklore, Kalliyankattu Neeli. The narrative weaves together an emotional core with high-octane fantasy as Chandra confronts an organ trafficking gang and an antagonist linked to the male supernatural being, Yaksha. The movie’s success is a testament to its innovative world-building and Kalyani’s performance, which redefined the superhero image in Indian cinema.
Blockbuster Rights and Cinematic Universe Expansion
The transition to OTT has been marked by a record-breaking deal. Reports indicate that JioHotstar acquired the digital streaming rights for a whopping ₹75 crore, reportedly surpassing the acquisition price for other major South Indian productions. This massive investment highlights the platform’s belief in the long-term value of the Lokah franchise.
Furthermore, the digital release comes with the exciting knowledge that this is only the beginning. Producer Dulquer Salmaan has already teased a much larger Lokah Cinematic Universe. The sequel, Lokah Chapter 2, is set to feature Tovino Thomas as the character Chaatan, promising an expanding saga that will continue to explore the confluence of mythology and modern heroism.
As one online enthusiast put it, the film’s streaming arrival means that “viewers can now experience the grandeur of the superhero origin story from the comfort of their homes”. For fans, the midnight premiere on JioHotstar meant “The wait ends at midnight😎 Magic begins at 12AM #Lokah”.