Dulquer Salmaan on Alia Bhatt’s Lokah Chapter 1 review: Thank you for always championing cinema you believe in

Lokah Chapter 1 Chandra, the Malayalam original film that’s taken the Onam box office by storm and is slowly gaining traction with its Tamil and Telugu dubbed versions also, is in theatres in the Hindi belt as well as of September 4. One of the first from Bollywood to step up and voice their support for the Kalyani Priyadarshan-led film was Alia Bhatt, who took to Instagram to share a poster of Lokah that she captioned, “Such a fresh blend of mythic folklore & mystery! So happy to see the love it’s getting. This is a step in cinema that I will always be eager to show my love & support for.”

DQ's words of gratitude to Alia

Actor Dulquer Salmaan, who has produced the film and has a pivotal cameo, was quick to respond to Alia, with whom he did an ad shoot not too long ago. He wrote, “Thank you for always championing cinema you believe in Alia!! Lots of Love.” Directed by Dominic Arun, Lokah is meant to be a 5-part franchise, exploring modern-day adaptations of ancient folklore.

Kalyani’s chapter was the filmmaker’s vision of the story of Kalliyankattu Neeli, a spirit whose story has several versions, including as a blood-thirsty vengeful one, and another in which she is a revered benevolent one. Dominic and co-writer Santhy Balachandran used elements of the original tale and reimagined the character in modern day, which, netizens felt had shades of Twilight and Vampire Diaries.

Also read: Lokah Chapter 1: Was Dulquer Salmaan’s Odiyan shown even before the end credit reveal? 

The franchise will include other mythical beings in the larger narrative, one of who is Dulquer Salmaan’s Charlie, aka Odiyan, a shapeshifter, who is shown in the end credits scene of the film. Lokah Chapter 1 has become the highest grossing female led south film. The next film in the franchise is expected to be led by Tovino Thomas’ Chathan.

FAQs

Q. Who all are there in cameo roles in Lokah Chapter 1: Chandra?

A. The movie has cameos by Tovino Thomas, Dulquer Salmaan, Anna Ben, Ahaana Krishna, Soubin Shahir, Vijay Menon, Sunny Wayne and Balu Varghese, while a glimpse of a hand and a voice that's heard is said to be Mammootty.

Q. What characters are these other actors playing the Lokah franchise?

A. It is confirmed that Tovino Thomas plays the Vishnumaya Chathan, while Dulquer Salmaan is an Odiyan. Soubin is rumoured to be Jinn, while Santhy Balachandran or Ahaana Krishna could be Marutha.