October 20, 2025 — Fans of Malayalam cinema finally got what they had been waiting for. Lokah Chapter 1: Chandra started streaming on JioHotstar after weeks of delay. The film faced a long wait before its OTT release, but now viewers across India can enjoy it from home.
A Superhero Story with Kerala Roots
Lokah Chapter 1 stars Kalyani Priyadarshan as Chandra, a young woman hiding a dark secret. The movie mixes Kerala folklore with modern superhero action. Chandra arrives in Bengaluru on a mission and joins her neighbor Sunny, played by Dulquer Salmaan. Together, they uncover an organ trafficking ring.
The film draws inspiration from ancient yakshi myths like Kalliyankattu Neeli, turning them into a new kind of “benign vampire spirit.” Directed by Dominic Arun and co-written with Santhy Balachandran, the movie was produced by Dulquer Salmaan under his Wayfarer Films banner.
Box Office Success Before OTT Release
The movie released in theaters on August 28, 2025, and became a massive hit. Lokah Chapter 1 earned over ₹300 crore worldwide, making it the highest-grossing Malayalam film ever. Critics praised its visuals, strong performances, and unique story.
It holds an 8.1 IMDb rating and 95% on Rotten Tomatoes. Viewers loved how it blended myth and modern storytelling. Actor Tovino Thomas made a surprise appearance, hinting at a bigger universe in upcoming films.
Reason Behind the OTT Release Delay
Fans expected the Lokah Chapter 1 OTT release between October 17 and 20, but it didn’t arrive on time. Social media was filled with questions. Many users on Reddit and X tagged JioHotstar asking for updates.
The main reason was the movie’s continued box office success. Producers wanted to extend its theater run before moving to OTT. Lokah Chapter 1 stayed in cinemas for over seven weeks to maximize earnings.
There were also small post-production tweaks for streaming, including color correction and sound adjustments. The team wanted the release to match the festive season around Diwali and Halloween. Finally, the film premiered on October 20, marking its official OTT release on JioHotstar.
On October 20, 2025, fans of Malayalam cinema got what they had waited for. Lokah Chapter 1: Chandra began streaming on JioHotstar.
JioHotstar’s ₹75 Crore Deal
JioHotstar bought Lokah Chapter 1 for about ₹75 crore, making it one of the biggest Malayalam OTT deals. The movie now streams in seven languages — Malayalam, Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Marathi, and Bengali. Subtitles are also available for all versions.
Early reports show high streaming numbers in Kerala and Bengaluru. Many fans celebrated the release with posts using #LokahOnHotStar. One viewer called it “the beginning of a new superhero universe.”
Fan Reactions and Online Buzz
The delay created mixed reactions. Some fans were happy it finally arrived, while others criticized the wait. On Reddit, users discussed whether the delay helped build more hype.
It actually did — searches for “Lokah OTT” increased by 150% that week. The film’s music by Jakes Bejoy also trended online. Its mix of electronic beats and folklore rhythms fit perfectly for streaming audiences.
What’s Next for the Lokah Universe
The creators have confirmed plans for five films in the Lokah universe. Chapter 2 is already in early talks. Tovino Thomas will reportedly play Chaathan, a trickster god from Kerala mythology.
The post-credits scene teases 389 goblin siblings, suggesting a larger story ahead. Dulquer Salmaan is expected to return in a more central role. Director Dominic Arun said he wants to build a “supernatural world rooted in Indian myths.”
Fans are already speculating about future crossovers with other Kerala legends. A teaser for Chapter 2 could drop soon.
What to Watch Next on OTT
If you enjoyed Lokah Chapter 1, here are some similar superhero and folklore-based movies to stream next:
- Minnal Murali on Netflix – A village man gains powers after lightning strikes. Fun and heartwarming.
- Bagheera (upcoming OTT) – A cop-turned-vigilante with cat-like reflexes. Gritty and dark.
- Kantara on Prime Video – Mythology, faith, and action mixed in one stunning film.
- Enthiran (Robot) on Prime Video – Rajinikanth’s sci-fi action film with emotional depth.
- Krrish on Zee5 – India’s first successful superhero franchise.
- Ra.One on Netflix – Shah Rukh Khan brings a game character to life.
- Athisayan on SonyLIV – A Malayalam superhero film with a local touch.
These titles keep the superhero excitement alive while you wait for Lokah Chapter 2.
Why Lokah Chapter 1’s OTT Debut Matters for Malayalam Cinema
The Lokah Chapter 1 OTT release marks a proud moment for Malayalam cinema. It shows how local stories can reach global audiences through streaming platforms.
With ₹300 crore in box office success and now high OTT numbers, the Lokah franchise has built a strong foundation. Fans are already excited for Chapter 2.
For now, it’s time to grab your popcorn and enjoy Chandra’s world on JioHotstar. The next chapter of this mythic superhero saga has just begun.
