Dulquer Salmaan recently revealed that his father, veteran actor Mammootty, and acclaimed filmmaker Priyadarshan initially had reservations about his production venture, "Lokah Chapter 1: Chandra". Salmaan admitted that they "thought we were a little mad" for taking such a risk. However, the film defied expectations, achieving massive success both domestically and internationally.

"Lokah Chapter 1: Chandra," directed by Dominic Arun and starring Kalyani Priyadarshan, marks a significant milestone as Malayalam cinema's first female-led superhero film. The movie revolves around a young woman named Chandra who discovers mystical powers and uses them to fight evil. The film blends folklore, action, and social themes. The cast includes Kalyani Priyadarshan, Naslen, and Sandy Master, along with Arun Kurian, Chandu Salimkumar, Nishanth Sagar, Raghunath Paleri, Vijayaraghavan, Nithya Shri, and Sarath Sabha. The film also features cameos from Tovino Thomas and Dulquer Salmaan, with Mammootty lending his voice as a narrator.

Salmaan, who produced the film under his banner Wayfarer Films, confessed that he simply "believed in the idea" despite the initial skepticism. He acknowledged the high budget and pressure associated with the project, which contributed to the worries of his and Kalyani's families. In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter India, Salmaan recounted Priyadarshan's disbelief, saying, "He couldn't believe it. He asked her, 'What were you thinking? Why take such a risk?'".

Kalyani Priyadarshan also shared her father's reaction to the film's success. She revealed that Priyadarshan's first message to her was a reminder: "Don't let success get to your head and don't let failure get to your heart". She said he repeats it often, but this time, he sent it as a reminder and continues to remind her every day.

"Lokah Chapter 1: Chandra" was released on August 28, 2025, and received positive reviews for its cast performances, visuals, world-building, cinematography, production, and soundtrack. Critics have lauded Kalyani Priyadarshan's portrayal of the superhero, with one review noting that she "steals the show" with her confidence and poise.

The film's success has been remarkable, grossing ₹46.14 crore in the domestic market and crossing ₹101 crore worldwide in its early days. As of September 9, 2025, "Lokah Chapter One – Chandra" had stormed into the box office charts, crossing ₹100 crore in India in just 12 days and on track to reach ₹200 crore worldwide. By September 16, 2025, the film had earned ₹119.58 crore in 18 days, surpassing "L2: Empyrean". It is now challenging "Thaduram" and eyeing "Manjummel Boys".

Salmaan expressed his astonishment at the film's reception, stating that he had "not experienced this as a hero in any of my films". He also thanked the Telugu audience for accepting "Lokah" as their own film. The success of "Lokah Chapter 1: Chandra" has not only validated Dulquer Salmaan's belief in the project but has also paved the way for a planned five-part cinematic universe. The next installment will be led by Tovino Thomas, followed by Dulquer Salmaan and Mammootty in subsequent parts.