Lokah Chapter 1- Chandra: Who is the infamous Kalliyankattu Neeli played by Kalyani Priyadarshan?

Kalyani Priyadarshan plays Chandra, also known as the Kalliyankattu Neeli, in the fantasy thriller. Let's examine Neeli as she appears in several Malayalam folktales.

Kalyani Priyadarshan in Lokah

The most recent Malayalam film, Lokah Chapter 1-Chandra, is receiving plaudits for its masterful  use of characters from a classic tale in Kerala. Kalyani Priyadarshan plays Chandra, also known as the Kalliyankattu Neeli, in the fantasy thriller. Let's examine Neeli as she appears in several Malayalam folktales.

Who is Kalliyankattu Neeli?

For those who don't know, Neeli is widely recognised as a murderous, revenge-seeking ghost with a breathtaking appearance. According to a folktale, Neeli was Alli, a Devadasi's daughter from the early ninth century. She was married to Nambi, the priest of a temple in their locality. Nambi often cheated on Alli by having relationships with other women.

In an unfortunate situation, Alli left with him while she was pregnant. Nambi brutally murdered Alli en route in order to take her possessions. After seeing his sister's body, her brother Ambi, killed himself. The siblings are claimed to have been incarnated as the violent, malevolent Neelan and Neeli, the children of the Chola ruler at the time.

Also Read: Lokah Chapter 1 – Chandra Review: Kalyani Priyadarshan-Naslen's film cleverly revives Malayalam's iconic fable

Some stories also describe how Neeli, feeling betrayed and seeking retribution, cleverly killed her husband's rebirth. Another account claims that the infamous sorcerer Kadamattathu Kathanar stabbed Neeli's heart. It is also claimed that some communities in Kerala still revere her as a powerful spirit of nature.

Kalliyankattu Neeli references in films

A few Malayalam films have made reference to this yakshi, or ghost, depicting her as a strong, attractive woman wearing a white saree who wanders the streets at night in search of the blood of those who are committing evil. There were also a few episodes of Neeli's atrocities as a demonic being and how the sorcerer punishes her in a TV series called Kadamattathu Kathanar. You can watch all episodes of this television series on JioHotstar and OTTplay Premium. Sources claim that Anushka Shetty would play Neeli in Jayasurya's highly anticipated movie Kathanar: The Wild Sorcerer, which is expected to hit the big screen soon this year.

Also Read: Dulquer Salmaan to Basil Joseph: Actors who made Lokah, Hridayapoorvam, OKCK, more appealing

FAQs

Q. Who is the superhero of Kalyani Priyadarshan?

A. Kalyani Priyadarshan plays a superhero character named Chandra in the movie Lokah.

Q. Who is the producer of Lokah Chapter 1?

A. South star Dulquer Salmaan is the producer of Lokah Chapter 1.

Q. How is Kalyani Priyadarshan related to Mohanlal?

Kalyani Priyadarshan and Mohanlal are not related. Superstar Mohanlal and Kalyani’s father director Priyadarshan are friends and have collaborated on several hit films.

Q: When will Lokah release?

A: Lokah had a theatrical release on August 28.

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