Cinema has a way of surprising us. Just when you think the big releases of the year are done, along comes a film that flips the script. That’s exactly what happened with Lokah: Chapter 1.With Kalyani Priyadarshan leading the way, Lokah: Chapter 1 has surprised everyone by racing up the charts and becoming the second biggest Malayalam hit ever.

People are cheering, theatres are buzzing, and social media is full of chatter. Still, one thought keeps popping up-if Lokah is already at number two, then which film is still holding on to that number one spot?

Why Lokah: Chapter 1 Feels Different

From the start, this film had a different vibe. The posters hinted at something big, something unlike the usual festival release. By the time it landed in theatres, curiosity had already built up.

But it wasn’t just hype. The movie delivered. Kalyani Priyadarshan took on the role of Chandra, and her performance made a mark. Strong when she needed to be, vulnerable at times, and always carrying the story forward. People walked out saying, “This isn’t just another hero’s tale. She owned it.”

The man behind the camera, Dominic Arun, also deserves credit. He mixed fantasy with folklore, action with emotion, and somehow made it all sit together. The film didn’t feel like it was copying Hollywood. It felt rooted, yet ambitious. That’s a tough balance, but it worked.

The Box Office Climb

Once the first weekend numbers came in, people knew this film was going to be big. Then came the bigger surprise-Lokah: Chapter 1 started overtaking other hits.

First, it pushed past Manjummel Boys, a movie that had been the talk of the town earlier in the year. Soon after, it crossed Thudarum, another Malayalam film that had done incredibly well. And just like that, Lokah was sitting comfortably in second place on the all-time chart.

What made the difference? Not just Kerala audiences. The overseas crowd stepped in. In places like the Gulf, Europe, and North America, screenings sold out. Families, students, and the Malayali diaspora showed up in huge numbers. The movie wasn’t just a local hit anymore-it had gone global.

Who’s Still Number One?

Here’s where the suspense kicks in. Even after this amazing run, Lokah: Chapter 1 hasn’t reached the very top. That crown still belongs to L2: Empuraan.

Mohanlal’s blockbuster set a high bar, and so far no one has crossed it. The gap isn’t impossible, but it’s wide enough that Lokah will need serious staying power to close in. Every new week matters. Every full theatre counts. The question on everyone’s mind is simple: can Lokah catch up, or will it stay the proud runner-up?

Why Audiences Keep Going Back

One sign of a strong film is repeat audiences. People don’t just watch it once; they go back again, sometimes dragging friends or family along. That’s what’s happening here.

Yes, the action scenes and visuals are flashy, but people talk more about the feeling. Chandra’s journey, her struggles, her small wins-that’s what’s pulling viewers in. When audiences connect to a character, they’re willing to sit through the spectacle more than once. And that’s why the box office keeps ticking upward.

What This Means for Malayalam Cinema

This success is bigger than just one film. Malayalam cinema looks like it’s stepping into a new phase. For decades it was praised for simple, real stories and clever writing. Now it’s proving it can do fantasy, superheroes, and even large worlds on screen without losing that emotional core people love.

And honestly, that’s the big thing here. Kalyani Priyadarshan didn’t just fit into the film-she held it up. A woman carrying a giant movie like this and still filling seats? You hardly see that in Indian cinema. That’s why people are noticing her even more.

The Role of Timing

Festival season helped. Families had time, youngsters had holidays, and theatres became the go-to outing. That gave Lokah: Chapter 1 a strong opening push.

At the same time, regional films are gaining global respect. Audiences abroad are now open to watching movies in different languages, especially when they bring something new. That wave carried Lokah further, turning it into more than just a local hit.

Challenges on the Road Ahead

Of course, every film faces hurdles. For Lokah to even think about overtaking L2: Empuraan, it has to maintain momentum. Sharp week-to-week drops could spoil the climb.

There’s also competition. Other Malayalam releases will arrive, and Bollywood or Hollywood blockbusters can eat into its audience. Then there’s the financial side. Big fantasy movies cost a lot. The box office number looks flashy, but the real test is whether profits stay strong after all expenses are cleared.

More Than Just Numbers

What’s maybe most exciting is how this movie has sparked conversations. People are asking: is Malayalam cinema ready for franchises? Can it build long-running sagas, like Hollywood does, with sequels and connected universes? The title Lokah: Chapter 1 already hints that there’s more to come. If sequels arrive, this could be the start of something much bigger.

Kalyani Priyadarshan’s Moment

This film feels like a turning point for Kalyani Priyadarshan. She’s done good work before, sure, but Lokah: Chapter 1 pushes her into a different league. People aren’t just seeing her as part of a big movie anymore - they’re seeing her as the one carrying it.

What makes it special is the talk from the audience. Fans keep saying this isn’t just about box-office numbers. It’s about how she gave the film its heart. With all the fantasy and visual effects flying around, it was her presence that kept things real.

Will It Take the Top Spot?

That’s the suspense fans love. Right now, Lokah: Chapter 1 is second. To become first, it has to hold strong, week after week, both in India and abroad. It’s a tough task, but not impossible.

Even if it stays second, it has already made history. It has shown that Malayalam cinema can go big, reach global audiences, and still tell stories with soul. That itself is a win.

Final Word

Lokah: Chapter 1 has become more than just a box office success. It’s a sign of change. It shows what happens when ambition, creativity, and the right performance come together. It has given Kalyani Priyadarshan a moment that will define her career. And it has given audiences a reason to dream bigger about what Malayalam films can achieve.

Number one or not, this film has already carved its place in history.

Beyond Box Office Numbers

At The United Indian, we don’t look at films only as numbers. Lokah: Chapter 1 feels bigger than money-it shows how a story can travel, how people connect, and how actors like Kalyani Priyadarshan make a whole industry feel proud. For us, cinema is about the way it stays with people, long after the credits roll.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQS)

1. Who plays the lead in Lokah: Chapter 1?

It’s Kalyani Priyadarshan. She’s the face of the film and her role as Chandra has got people talking.

2. What box office record did it set?

The film is now the second biggest Malayalam film ever, beating Manjummel Boys on collections.

3. Which movie is still at number one?

That title stays with L2: Empuraan. It has made more money worldwide than any other Malayalam release.

4. Why are fans excited about this film?

People like it because it doesn’t feel like the usual stuff. It brings together fantasy, action, and bits of culture in a way that really connected with viewers both at home and overseas.

5. Who directed the movie?

It was made by Dominic Arun, who gave the story a scale Malayalam cinema usually doesn’t try.