Lokah star Chandu Salimkumar: 'A Telugu producer approached me with a witty request...' | Exclusive
In an interview with OTTplay, the young actor—who is also the son of Salimkumar—spoke about his happiness at the fantasy thriller's success and his collaboration with its director, Dominic Arun.
Last Updated: 08.52 PM, Sep 08, 2025
Malayalam actor Chandu Salimkumar is winning a lot of appreciation for his amusing portrayal in the recently released Lokah: Chapter 1: Chandra. In an interview with OTTplay, the young artiste—who is also the son of Salimkumar, a famed actor in Malayalam— spoke about his happiness at the fantasy thriller's immense success and his collaboration with its director, Dominic Arun.
Chandu Salimkumar's Interview
Given that Lokah has already made over Rs 150 crore at the box office and that celebrities from a variety of industries have been praising it, did you anticipate such a massive positive reception initially?
I must admit that rather than expecting such a response, we hoped for it. For fun, we had placed bets on each other that the movie would reach certain milestones, and we frequently shared flattering social media messages about the movie with one another. When Priyanka Chopra had just posted a post complimenting the movie and tagging us, I reposted it with the words "Thanks, Priyanka." I was immediately made fun of by a few of the team members during a light-hearted occasion.
To be honest, I am thrilled to see this enthusiastic response. We attended a huge event in Hyderabad, and both Nag Ashwin and Venky Atluri gave the film high marks, particularly for its humorous elements.
In 2024, you starred in another Malayalam blockbuster, Manjummel Boys; this year, you're in Lokah. How do you view this accomplishment?
By now, you must have figured out that I am Mollywood's lucky charm, don't you? (Giggling) Please! I contribute one industry hit per year. Jokes aside, Dulquer Salmaan said at the Hyderabad event that I presented my voice for the smoking card before Lokah and Manjummel Boys. A Telugu producer came up to me after hearing this and asked if I could do the same for his next film. I suppose it's time for me to change my professional path and provide voice acting for them! (Laughing)
Also Read: Lokah star Durga Vinod: 'Was surprised to see Dulquer Salmaan, Tovino Thomas on screen'| Exclusive
People praise your satirical style on social media, and your interview excerpts consistently garner the most attention. How do you deal with this kind of attention?
Frankly, it's never intentional! It is an indication of someone who is never ready for these media appearances or interviews. I would characterise it as a way to hide my lack of preparation. There is a sense of ease because the actors that sit with us for interviews are typically my friends, as are the interviewers. I was surprised and thrilled to learn that my most recent Telugu interview was receiving positive comments online referring to me as "Chandu Gaaru."
In addition to its story, Lokah is commended for its humorous elements. Have you contributed something on the spur of the moment?
After finishing Painkili, I started Lokah's shoot five days later, so I had some of that character in me. Dominic originally informed me that my character in Lokah doesn't need a lot of body movement because Painkili needed a rather loud act. We don't have to do a lot of impromptu stuff since he knows exactly what he wants from each performer. Until he gets his way, he will continue to make us do the same shots.
Is there a role you would like to perform or bring back from your father's acting career?
I doubt I'll be able to do any at all! To perform them, you must have that level of confidence. I recently watched a TV scene where he starred. Anyone who read the joke would realise it was poorly written, but the manner he delivered it was funny. No matter how long I work in this field, I will never be able to do it.
Does your father give you candid feedback on how you performed?
Although we don't talk about films much at home, we do occasionally share our witty opinions. He said that, out of all my films, Lokah is his favourite. He even saw the film twice and gave the filmmakers a call to express his appreciation. Given how difficult it is to convince him to see a movie in a theatre these days, it is undoubtedly an accomplishment.
FAQs
Q. Who is the superhero played by 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?
A. 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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