Lokah Chapter 2: What is the connection between Tovino Thomas' upcoming film and Neeraj Madhav’s 2022 rap song?

Lokah fans were in for a treat the other day when the superheroes of its subsequent chapters Chathan and Odiyan gave a sneak peek into the universe. Tovino Thomas, who as Chathan would lead Lokah Chapter 2, joined Dulquer Salmaan’s Odiyan for a round of drinks. As Chathan references galore, netizens brought up a 2022 rap song of Neeraj Madhav, which has the central characters of Lokah - Chathanmar, Kaliyankattu Neeli and even Kadamattathu Kathanar!

Neeraj Madhav X Lokah Universe

Neeraj Madhav is a Malayalam actor-singer, who released a rap song titled Panipaali three years ago. After the makers confirmed Lokah Chapter 2 will focus on Tovino Thomas’ character Chathan, some netizens found the similarities in the story depicted in the rap song and the Lokah universe. Neeraj Madhav also shared a story on Instagram, which pointed out this. 

In the Panipaali rap song, which has animated visuals, Neeraj’s character is told by his father that Sarala’s daughter has come up to see him. As he flirts with her, she points out the bite marks on his neck, and the youth realises that he has turned into a vampire. The woman also reveals herself to be a Yakshi (Neeli in Lokah is also a Yakshi or vampire). The song further depicts Chathan having drinks, as the singer recounts that he last read about Chathan and Yakshi in Kadamattathu Kathanar's story! The song also has references to Marutha, another supernatural being. Neeraj was last seen in the Malayalam web series Love Under Construction, streaming on JioHotstar via OTTplay Premium.

Lokah universe

Lokah Universe too takes its inspiration from Aithihyamala, a Malayalam book, which lists several of Kerala's folklores, including tales about Kalliyankattu Neeli who was subdued by Kadamattathu Kathanar. Lokah Chapter 1 Chandra revolves around Neeli (Kalyani Priyadarshan), with the makers reimagining her story to suit the present times. Chapter 2 will focus on Chathan (Tovino Thomas).

In the recently released glimpse of Lokah Chapter 2, Michael the Chathan is seen enjoying drinks and tells Charlie, the Odiyan, that it is a basic trait of goblins, including that of his 389 brothers. Michael says he would seek Odiyan’s help as his not-so-fun brother returns, but the latter refuses. But Michael insists, “Nee varum. Alenkil, Chathanmar kondu varum (You will come. Else, the Goblins will bring you).”

Nothing more about Lokah Chapter 2 is currently known, so netizens are left drawing comparisons between NJ’s rap song and the universe. Dominic Arun helms Lokah films, co-written by Santhy Balachandran. Dulquer Salmaan has also backed Lokah, and the first part has already become the highest-grossing Malayalam film ever.

Also read: Lokah co-writer Santhy Balachandran on why she said yes to Krishand’s 4.5 Gang despite limited screentime 

FAQs

Q. Is there Lokah chapter 2?

A. Yes, there will be Lokah Chapter 2. Tovino Thomas will star in the second part of the five-part franchise.

Q. Who is Tovino in Lokah?

A. Actor Tovino Thomas plays the character Chathan (Michael) in Lokah 2.

Q. Who is Charlie in Lokah?

A. Actor Dulquer Salmaan plays Charlie in Lokah.