The controversy erupted after a character’s line was accused of portraying Bengaluru as a hub of parties and drugs, while also allegedly insulting women in the city.
Published Sep 02, 2025 | 9:48 PM ⚊ Updated Sep 02, 2025 | 9:48 PM
A poster of the film 'Lokah Chapter One: Chandra'. (Supplied)
The makers of the recent Malayalam hit Lokah Chapter One – Chandra have announced that they will alter a dialogue in the film following backlash from the Kannada film industry and sections of the public in Karnataka.
The controversy erupted after a character’s line was accused of portraying Bengaluru as a hub of parties and drugs, while also allegedly insulting women in the city.
The film’s production house Wayfarer Films, owned by actor Dulquer Salmaan, issued an official statement on Tuesday, 2 September, clarifying that the line was not meant to offend anyone.
Their statement read: “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.”
#Lokah pic.twitter.com/q18SX8dh7G
— Wayfarer Films (@DQsWayfarerFilm) September 2, 2025
The company also tendered an unconditional apology and urged audiences to accept it in good faith.
Meanwhile, it’s learnt that several voices from the Kannada film industry criticised the film, alleging that such depictions misrepresent Bengaluru and demean its women. Bengaluru Police is also said to be looking into the issue.
Despite the controversy, the film continues to draw large crowds across theatres.
Directed by Dominic Arun and starring Kalyani Priyadarshan in the lead, Chandra marks the first instalment of the ambitious superhero cinematic universe Lokah, which has already begun to gain pan-Indian attention.
The story of the movie is set in the modern world. Chandra’s backstory is one of the film’s major highlights, drawing inspiration from Malayalam folktales that feature spirits and vampires. This familiar and culturally rooted element keeps the audience engaged throughout.
(Edited by Sumavarsha, with inputs from Dileep V Kumar)
