Kalyani Priyadarshan on staying indoors on Lokah release day, 'Me and Naslen decided not to...'

Lokah Chapter 1 Chandra lords over Mollywood as the all-time highest grosser, towering over even superstar films with its over Rs 300 crore collection. But before its August 28 release, not many would have predicted such a phenomenal achievement for its film, least of all its lead actress Kalyani who says that she was super nervous that she did not even step out of her hotel room on the D-day. Here’s what Kalyani has to say about her jitterings on the release day of Lokah, which also stars actor Naslen.

Kalyani on release-day jitters ahead of Lokah

Malayalam actress Kalyani Priyadarshan plays the titular role of Chandra in the 2025 film Lokah, which released for Onam along with Mohanlal’s Hridayapoorvam. During an interview with The Nod, Kalyani recollected that she preferred to stay at her hotel room even as the rest of the cast and crew went to the theatres to catch the film.

“I was super nervous. My co-actor Naslen was also very very nervous. We stayed inside our rooms. We decided we were not going to look at our phones for a couple of hours,” recounted Kalyani whose character Chandra as superhuman abilities. She further said that she realised the response was really good when people started calling her. “Then I called up Naslen and I was like we can step out of our rooms now, ‘Do you want to go and watch the film?’,” she added.

Also read: From a set designer to actress: Kalyani Priyadarshan on how a sprained back, filmmaker's ire prodded her to pursue her real dream 

Kalyani, Naslen in Lokah

While Kalyani plays the enigmatic Chandra, Naslen is seen as her neighbourhood lad Sunny who seeks to know more about her but is shocked to realise that she is in fact Kalliyankattu Neeli, a vampire-like figure from Malayalam folklore. 

The films, with superhero elements, follows the events as a vile cop becomes aware of Chandra’s power and chases after her. Dominic Arun has helmed the film, which also features cameos by Kaantha actor Dulquer Salmaan and ARM actor Tovino Thomas. DQ has also produced the film.

Also read: Can Lokah's Chandra fly? Kalyani Priyadarshan reveals the extent of her superpower 

Lokah FAQs

Q. Is Lokah Ott released?

A. Yes, Lokah released on OTT in October 2025. The Malayalam film, starring Kalyani Priyadarshan and Naslen, is streaming on JioHotstar via OTTplay Premium.

Q. What is Dulquer Salmaan in Lokah?

A. Dulquer Salmaan makes a cameo appearance in Lokah as Charlie, an Odiyan. Actor Tovino Thomas also makes a brief, fun appearance as Chathan Michael.

Q. Is Lokah Part 2 coming?

A. Lokah Part 2 is coming. The second part of the Lokah franchise has been announced with actor Tovino Thomas in the lead.