Actor-producer Dulquer Salmaan and his production company, Wayfarer Films, have issued a public apology after facing strong criticism from Karnataka audiences over a controversial dialogue in the Malayalam film Lokah Chapter 1: Chandra. The dialogue, delivered by choreographer-actor Sandy in his role as Inspector Nachiyappa Gowda, referred to Bengaluru women as “characterless.”
The film, which portrays Sandy’s character as a misogynistic officer engaged in moral policing, has sparked outrage for allegedly insulting women and showing the city in poor light.
Official apology from Wayfarer Films
In a statement released on Tuesday, Wayfarer Films said:
“It has come to our attention that a dialogue delivered by one of the characters in our film Lokah: Chapter One has unintentionally hurt the sentiments of people from Karnataka. At Wayfarer Films, we place people above everything else. We deeply regret this oversight and assure you that no offence was intended. The dialogue in question will be removed/edited at the earliest. We sincerely apologise for the hurt caused and humbly request you to accept our apology.”
The production house confirmed that the dialogue would be removed from the film in response to the backlash.
Bengaluru shown in ‘poor light’
The apology comes amid growing criticism on social media, where several users pointed out that the film depicts Bengaluru as a hub of “parties and drugs.” Many argued that such portrayals damage the city’s image, while others demanded stricter checks on films stereotyping regions and communities.
Police response to complaints
On September 2, Bengaluru Police Commissioner Seemant Kumar Singh said the concerns raised over the film would be examined by the Central Crime Branch’s social media monitoring cell. He also warned that action would follow if violations were detected.
The police move signals that the controversy may not end with the producers’ apology, particularly if further complaints are filed.
Box office success despite controversy
Despite the backlash, Lokah Chapter 1: Chandra has been performing strongly at the box office. The film has already crossed ₹30 crore nett in domestic collections and continues to run successfully in theatres across the country.
Directed by Dominic Arun, the film features Kalyani Priyadarshan, Naslen, Sandy, and others in key roles. Billed as a superhero drama, it has attracted large crowds while simultaneously sparking debate over its portrayal of women and Bengaluru.
Conclusion
The apology from Dulquer Salmaan and Wayfarer Films may help calm the controversy, but the film continues to face scrutiny over its representation of Bengaluru and its residents. With police authorities monitoring the situation, the incident underscores the growing sensitivity around depictions of women and regional identities in Indian cinema.