Ananya Panday on the need to stop chasing success formula: Like how Kalyani did in Lokah
Bollywood actress Ananya Panday points out trend of chasing similar scripts, while adding that someone needs to break the clutter and cites the example of how Kalyani Priyadarshan did it with Lokah
Last Updated: 10.21 AM, Mar 07, 2026
Given the amount of budget and preparations involved in cinema, the film industries do tend to play it safe and repeat similar formula that have found success at the box office. Bollywood star Ananya Panday recently pointed out this trend of similar scripts, while claiming someone needs to break the clutter and cited the example of how Malayalam actress Kalyani Priyadarshan did it with the blockbuster film Lokah Chapter 1 Chandra.
What Ananya Panday said about Kalyani’s Lokah
During a recent interview with The Hollywood Reporter India, Ananya Panday remarked that there is a need to break the trend of chasing a success formula.
When Saiyaara came out and became a blockbuster success, everyone was like let's make Saiyaara, she remarked. Popular Bollywood actress Kareena Kapoor Khan, who was also part of the interview, chipped in that it was the same with the horror genre.
Ananya, who has starred in movies such as Kho Gaye Hum Kahan and CTRL, said that she was getting only films about Gen Z and social media. "So you need someone like how Kalyani did in Lokah. You need someone to kind of come and break the clutter,” added the young Hindi actress, who was last seen in Tu Meri Main Tera Main Tera Tu Meri with Kartik Aaryan.
On the topic of women having fun in films and still finding success, she further said, “There is proof that a woman can be a superhero with Lokah.”
What is Lokah about
Lokah Chapter 1 Chandra is a Malayalam movie starring Kalyani Priyadarshan in the lead role. Directed by filmmaker Dominic Arun, Lokah reimagined the tale of a folklore character Kalliyankattu Neeli, giving her superhero characteristics in the new-age. The woman-led film went on to script a blockbuster success at the box office, also becoming the first Malayalam film to break into the Rs 300 crore club.
Actors Naslen and Chandu Sailmkumar played other key roles in the film, which had star cameos by Dulquer Salmaan and Tovino Thomas.
Lokah FAQs
Q. Has Lokah released in OTT?
A. Lokah was released on OTT last year. Kalyani Priyadarshan's film is streaming on JioHotstar via OTTplay Premium.
Q. Is Lokah 2 coming?
A. Yes, Lokah 2 is currently in the scripting phase and is expected to start shooting later in the year. Actor Tovino Thomas will play the lead in Lokah Chapter 2.