The Lokah universe has been the recent addition to the world of superheroes of Malayalam cinema.
Published Sep 20, 2025 | 4:29 PM ⚊ Updated Sep 20, 2025 | 4:29 PM
Cinematic universes of Malayalam cinema. (X)
The recent blockbuster from Malayalam film industry Lokah: Chapter 1: Chandra, has transcended language barriers, receiving positive responses across all the languages it was released in, including Malayalam, Kannada, Tamil, Telugu, and Hindi.
However, this did not happen overnight, Malayalam films have been gaining a wider audience in recent years, especially with the rise of OTT platforms. The exposure to non-Malayalam-speaking viewers has helped Malayalam cinema reach audiences across different parts of the country.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, OTT platforms flourished, leading to several direct-to-digital releases in various languages, including Malayalam. This shift further encouraged people to explore and watch more Malayalam films.
During the same time, Basil Joseph-directed film Minnal Murali was released, featuring Tovino Thomas as a superhero.
Tovino Thomas did the lead role in ‘Minnal Murali’. (Supplied)
Minnal Murali marked the first Malayalam superhero film, produced by Weekend Blockbusters, who later announced plans to expand it into a “Weekend Cinematic Universe.”
Following which, Weekend Blockbusters announced a cinematic universe of their own and their second film Detective Ujjwalan starring Dhyan Sreenivasan, was released in 2025.
The Dhyan Sreenivasan starrer became a moderate success and their third movie in the universe Jambi, a zombie movie directed by George Kora, is in the production stage. A fourth film will also be announced in this universe which will be the final one, as per reports and interestingly all these films are directed by different filmmakers.
It is still unclear whether a sequel to Minnal Murali will be made, although both Tovino Thomas and director Basil Joseph have stated that they don’t want to force a continuation, as the first part came together organically.
‘Gaganachari’ on OTT. (X)
Arun Chandu’s Gaganachari, an experimental mockumentary, was a hit upon its release last year. Following its success, Chandu announced a spin-off film titled Maniyan Chittapan, set in the Gaganachari universe and featuring Suresh Gopi in the lead role.
Chandu speaking with South First told that they initially planned to make Maniyan Chittapan first, but postponed it due to higher budget requirements.
Meanwhile, Chandu is currently working on Vala, a science fiction zombie film that will mark the return of Malayalam comedy legend Jagathy Sreekumar to the screen.
Ajayante Randam Moshanam (ARM), directed by Jithin Laal and released in 2024, was also a commercial success.
The film boosted Tovino Thomas’s career, with him playing three different characters. A year after its release, Laal announced a spin-off focusing on the character Maniyan, portrayed by Tovino. Since Maniyan was the most powerful character in the film, a standalone movie based on him is expected to be a treat for movie buffs.
The Lokah universe has been the recent addition to the world of superheroes of Malayalam cinema.
A poster of the film ‘Lokah Chapter 1 Chandra’. (X)
Lokah Chapter 1: Chandra, featuring Kalyani Priyadarshan in the lead role has been the talk of the town since its release, thanks to its compelling plot and overwhelming audience response.
Chandra has grossed ₹250 crores worldwide—a remarkable achievement for a female-centric superhero film.
Actor Dulquer Salmaan, the producer, played a key role in its pan-Indian appeal, given his popularity in Telugu, Tamil, and Hindi film circles.
The Lokah Cinematic Universe will have five films, and with the first already becoming a blockbuster, director Dominic Arun and co-writer Santhy Balachandran confirmed that the full story arc is ready.
The films are inspired by Aithihyamala, a collection of Kerala folktales by Kottarathil Sankunni.
However, the team has reimagined the stories. For instance, the Yakshi character Neeli, played by Kalyani Priyadarshan, is seen, breaking away from traditional depictions. In the film, Kadamattathu Kathanar seeks help from Neeli—contrary to the original tales where she attacks men.
Santhy Balachandran, who advocated for this change, said the aim was to challenge old stereotypes. The fresh take has resonated with audiences, leading to high rewatch value.
In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Dulquer Salmaan admitted that he initially thought the film would incur a loss and revealed that there were no buyers for the project in its early stages.
Dulquer also shared that both his father, actor Mammootty, and director Priyadarshan (Kalyani Priyadarshan’s father) were skeptical about the film’s budget. However, following the movie’s successful release and overwhelming reception, Dulquer said both fathers are now proud of the outcome.
Tovino Thomas in the next Lokah installment. (Supplied)
The second chapter of the Lokah Cinematic Universe will feature Tovino Thomas in the lead, reprising his role as Michael, a goblin introduced in the first film. The makers have confirmed that filming will begin once the full script is completed. The third chapter will center on Dulquer Salmaan’s character, Charlie, an Odiyan (shapeshifter).
Meanwhile, Mammootty voices the character ‘Moothon’ in the Lokah universe, although it’s still unclear how he will appear in future installments. According to director Dominic Arun, Mammootty needs more convincing to continue playing the role, and Dulquer Salmaan has echoed that his father will only return if he finds the character compelling.
With a range of upcoming films—including entries in the Weekend Cinematic Universe, the Lokah universe, as well as zombie, sci-fi, and mockumentary genres—Malayalam cinema is gaining increased attention and growing significantly in terms of business and reach.
(Edited by Sumavarsha)
