Kochi: Lokah: Chapter 1 – Chandra, headlined by Kalyani Priyadarshan, backed by Dulquer Salmaan, and directed by Domini Arun, continues its extraordinary box office run. In just 25 days, the film has collected ₹137.75 crore worldwide, securing its place as the third highest-grossing women-led film in Indian cinema.
Box office milestones
The fantasy drama has already broken multiple records during its 24-day run. It became the highest-grossing Malayalam film of all time globally, and the third film ever to cross ₹100 crore from Kerala alone. With this, it also surpassed Mahanati, starring Keerthy Suresh, to become the highest-grossing women-led film from South India.
As per trade tracker Sacnilk, the film’s ₹137.75 crore collections have pushed it past Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Gangubai Kathiawadi (₹132.01 crore), which previously held the third spot.
Weekly performance
The film opened strongly, collecting ₹54.7 crore in its first week. The momentum continued in the second week with ₹47 crore, followed by ₹27.1 crore in the third week. During its fourth weekend, it added another ₹8.75 crore, including a Sunday collection of ₹4 crore. Trade analysts predict that Lokah: Chapter 1 – Chandra will comfortably cross the ₹140 crore mark by the end of its fourth week.
A new era for Malayalam cinema
The film is part of a five-part cinematic universe envisioned by actor-producer Dulquer Salmaan, marking the first such attempt in Malayalam cinema. The second instalment will feature Tovino Thomas, who appeared in a cameo role in the first part. Dulquer himself will headline the third film, while veteran superstar Mammootty is set to lead the fourth.
The series is expected to further elevate Malayalam cinema’s reputation as one of the most dynamic industries in India, with an increasing global reach.
Industry response and impact
The film’s success has drawn praise from across the Indian film fraternity. Priyanka Chopra and Alia Bhatt were among the celebrities who congratulated Kalyani Priyadarshan for her performance and for steering a female-led film to such massive commercial success.
For Alia Bhatt, whose Gangubai Kathiawadi now slips to fourth place, the milestone marks a moment of healthy competition in championing women-led narratives in Indian cinema. Alia herself is gearing up for major releases, including Alpha under Aditya Chopra’s banner and Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Love & War opposite Ranbir Kapoor and Vicky Kaushal.
Conclusion
Lokah: Chapter 1 – Chandra has not only rewritten box office history for Malayalam films but also strengthened the presence of women-led narratives in Indian cinema. With its global success and ambitious multi-film universe, the franchise signals a new phase for Malayalam storytelling on the national stage.