Lokah Chapter 1 OTT release: Did JioHotstar defer Pharma to make way for Kalyani Priyadarshan blockbuster?

Lokah OTT release: Nivin Pauly’s web series was first speculated to hit the streaming platform as big Malayalam release for JioHotstar in October. Kalyani Priyadarshan's movie has now taken its place.

Posters of Pharma and Lokah Chapter 1: Chandra

Nivin Pauly fans will have to wait longer for the release of the Sarvam Maya actor’s debut web series Pharma. Its streaming platform, JioHotstar, which had initially slotted to release the web series, helmed by PR Arun, has deferred it to make way for Kalyani Priyadarshan’s Lokah Chapter 1: Chandra.

While the streaming date for Arun Dominic’s Lokah Chapter 1 is yet to be disclosed, sources in the know claim that the film is set for a Diwali release on JioHotstar and could hit the streaming platform on October 23, 2025, if not on October 20. Incidentally, Nivin’s Pharma was scheduled to be the big Malayalam release for the month for JioHotstar, and the team had even reportedly locked October 24 as its release date.

Also read: Kalyani Priyadarshan on Dulquer Salmaan’s advice for Lokah: The reason we are in cinema is to take risks | Exclusive

This has now changed, with the makers of Lokah, which crossed a major milestone by becoming the first Malayalam movie to gross Rs 300 Cr in global box office earlier this week, greenlighting its digital release. Earlier, there was also speculation that the movie would stream on Netflix, but JioHotstar has officially confirmed that they have bagged the OTT rights for the Dulquer Salmaan-produced movie that also has Naslen, Chandu Salimkumar and Tovino Thomas.

Pharma OTT release date

This would mean that Pharma, which also has Rajat Kapur and Narain in pivotal roles, has been pushed - probably to November. The streaming platform is yet to reveal its release date, but the web series, which revolves around the rise and struggles of a medical representative in the pharmaceutical industry, is among the most-anticipated shows in Malayalam in recent times.

Lokah too is expected to feature among the most-watched movies for the streaming platform, with the audience sure to rewatch it on OTT for all the easter eggs that the makers have placed in the movie. The team has already announced that the film will be part of a five-film franchise and that the next movie will revolve around Tovino’s character, Michael. Mammootty is also part of the franchise and will be playing ‘Moothon’. The megastar is expected to share screen space with son Dulquer for the first time in the franchise.

How to watch Lokah Chapter 1 on OTT

Lokah Chapter 1: Chandra also serves as an origin story for its lead character, essayed by Kalyani, who is inspired by the folklore of Kaliyankattu Neeli. It’s a modern rendition of the vampire story with the right mix of folklore that has kept the audience world over entertained.

The audience can watch the movie on JioHotstar, which is accessible via OTTplay Premium. The platform is expected to stream the movie in all South languages.

FAQs:

Q. When is Lokah Chapter 1 releasing on OTT?

A. Lokah Chapter 1 is expected to be a Diwali release on JioHotstar in October 2025.

Q. When is Lokah Chapter 2 releasing?

A. The makers have announced that they will begin shooting the movie in the second half of 2026 and could be looking at a 2027 release date.

Q. Is Mammootty part of Lokah Chapter 1: Chandra?

A. Yes, Mammootty has given voice for Moothon, who is touted as a leader of the group featuring Kalyani Priyadarshan’s Chandra, Dulquer Salmaan’s Charlie and Tovino Thomas’ Michael.

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