Latest Malayalam hit, Lokah: Chapter 1 – Chandra, continues its storming run at the box office. The female-led superhero film, starring Kalyani Priyadarshan, has raked in ₹262.5 crore worldwide so far and is now closing in on the all-time record held by L2: Empuraan.
Since its release, the Dominic Arun directorial has maintained a daily collection of at least ₹2 crore in India, keeping its momentum alive well into the third week.
The film has posted a gross collection of ₹150.7 crore from Indian screens and ₹111.8 crore from overseas markets. Of this, the net domestic tally stands at ₹128.8 crore, with Malayalam contributing the lion’s share of ₹99.35 crore. Tamil brought in ₹12.65 crore, Telugu ₹13.45 crore, and Hindi ₹3.35 crore.
Kerala alone has accounted for a staggering ₹94.74 crore in gross revenue, while the rest of India added another ₹51.71 crore. Globally, the film has already crossed ₹260 crore in its 21-day run. For a Malayalam film, the overseas figure of ₹111.45 crore marks a landmark achievement.
Made under Dulquer Salmaan’s Wayfarer Films banner, the film’s production budget is reported to be around ₹30 crore – a fraction of what it has already earned, making it one of the most profitable Malayalam ventures in recent times.
The current record-holder, L2: Empuraan, helmed by Prithviraj Sukumaran and led by Mohanlal, grossed ₹265 crore despite facing political controversy and 24 censor cuts. Now, with just a few crores separating them, Lokah: Chapter 1 – Chandra is poised to rewrite Malayalam box office history.
Lokah is the first of a planned five-part Wayfarer Cinematic Universe. The upcoming chapters will expand on the arcs of Tovino Thomas’s goblin warrior Chathan/Michael and Dulquer Salmaan’s sword-wielding ninja Charlie/Odiyan. Adding to the anticipation, superstar Mammootty has been confirmed to play the key role of Moothon in the sequels.
