Haq director Suparn Verma feels Lokah made in Hindi wouldn’t be accepted – Know Why

Suparn Verma, Neeraj Ghaywan, Anurag Basu, Arati Kadav and Reema Kagti got together for a roundtable discussion on Zoom. That is where the Haq director Suparn spoke about why a movie like Lokah, which became a gamechanger for Malayalam cinema, would not work in the Hindi film industry. Here’s everything you need to know about it…

Suparn Verma on how Lokah’s Hindi version wouldn’t be accepted

Suparn Verma shared how he could think of an idea which would be accepted in the Telugu film industry or the Malayalam film industry, but wouldn’t pass of in the Hindi film industry. Discussing the same with reference to Lokah, which stars Malayalam actress Kalyani Priyadarshan stars as a superhero, the Haq director said, "I think audiences of Hindi films have become much more unforgiving, especially towards Hindi films. A Lokah made in Hindi wouldn't be accepted. There are many ideas which when you're discussing them, you suddenly realise you will be able to execute them as a Telugu film or a Malayalam film, but as a Hindi film, you can't make it."

Also Read: Malayalam cinema suffers Rs 360-Cr loss in 2025, even Rs 300-Cr blockbuster Lokah couldn't save it

Suparn Verma on why audiences don’t watch movies in theatres

"Only 25 % of films are being watched (in theatres)," Suparn shared. He addressed the very concern of the ticket rates and how Indian families can afford to watch only big blockbusters on the big screen and would rather choose to stream the others on OTT. “Especially with distributors, If I make this plate (for example) for 5 rupees, I'll sell it for 50. If I make this plate for 500, I'll sell for 5000. If I can do it for every consumer good and give it to the audience or the buying public, films don't do that. A small budget film will not translate to the audience as a small budget film. They're not paying 100 rupees for their ticket. They are paying 500. And as long as that disparity exists…,” Verma shared, hinting at how small-budget films get affected owing to the disparity.

Lokah FAQs

Q. Is Lokah on JioHotstar?

A. Lokah Chapter 1: Chandra is streaming on JioHots tar via OTTplay Premium. Kalyani Priyadarshan leads this film, which is the highest-grosser in Malayalam

Q. What is Dulquer Salmaan in Lokah?

A. Dulquer Salmaan is seen as an Odiyan named Charlie in Lokah. The Kaantha actor has also produced the woman-led film.

Q. Is Lokah Part 2 coming?

A. The makers have announced Lokah Part 2, which will have actor Tovino Thomas in the lead. Tovino had made a cameo appearance in Lokah Chapter 1.