Kalyani Priyadarshan Reveals Unheard Tale Behind Her Role In Lokah Chapter 1: Chandra, 'We Were...'

Lokah Chapter 1: Chandra was a massive blockbuster film of 2025. Directed by Dominic Arun, the superhero film stars Kalyani Priyadarshan. She played the role of 'Chandra', the female protagonist. The superhero film made on a budget of Rs. 30 crore earned Rs. 303.67 crore worldwide. The film grabbed a lot of attention due to its gripping storyline and stellar performances. However, it was Kalyani Priyadarshan who stole the spotlight. In a recent interview, the Lokah actress opened up about some unheard details about the film.

Kalyani Priyadarshan opens up about the immense tension surrounding Lokah Chapter 1: Chandra's release

In a recent interview with The Hollywood Reporter India, Kalyani Priyadarshan opened up about the immense tension surrounding the release of the superhero film, Lokah Chapter 1: Chandra. Alongside Kalyani, the film also features Premalu fame, Naslen. The actress shared that until the day of release, the entire Lokah team was nervous. Kalyani mentioned that neither she nor Naslen stepped out of their houses on the day of release. For the unversed, the superhero film was released theatrically on August 28, 2025. She added that things changed after the positive early reviews. Kalyani was quoted as saying:

"We were very nervous up until the day of release. On the day of the release, Naslen and I didn’t step out. We were in our rooms, hoping that people wouldn’t say anything bad about us. Around 3:00, when we knew good reviews were coming in, we called each other and said, 'I think we can step out now.'"

Kalyani Priyadarshan credits director, Dominic Arun, for Lokah Chapter 1: Chandra's success

In the same interview, Kalyani shared why she said yes to the project, like Lokah. She mentioned that the horror and superhero elements present in the film, could easily turn it into a more dramatic piece. However, due to the director, Dominic’s clear vision, the film was exceptional and new to the Malayalam industry. She shared that it was Basil Joseph who encouraged her to take up the project.

Kalyani highlighted that when the filming was going on, she could sense that something special was coming up. She mentioned that it was the collaborative work of Dominic and cinematographer, Nimish Ravi that paid off. Kalyani mentioned that although there was a 2 per cent doubt within her, as she had already committed to it, she gave her 100 per cent. Further in the interview, Kalyani talked about the interval block.

The Lokah actress highlighted that it was the only part that was not strictly planned. She mentioned that while everything in Lokah followed the script, it was the interval scene that evolved during the shoot and editing. It was director, Dominic, whose last-minute creative call, which shaped the film’s success. It was he who decided to intercut sequences differently that made Lokah Chapter 1: Chandra a grand success of 2025.

When Kalyani Priyadarshan's dad and director, Priyadarshan, doubted Lokah Chapter 1: Chandra's success

In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter India, Lokah’s producer, Dulquer Salmaan, revealed how both veteran actor, Mammootty and filmmaker, Priyadarshan, doubted the film’s success. Dulquer shared that initially, they thought that the film might not work. However, later, after the film’s release and positive reviews, their perspectives changed. He was quoted as saying:

"Her(Kalyani’s) dad didn’t expect it. He was like, ‘What were you thinking? Why would you take this bet? I told him honestly — I didn’t know. I just believed in the idea. It felt right. My dad (veteran actor Mammootty) was worried too. They all thought we were a little mad, but they’re very proud now."

What are your thoughts on Kalyani Priyadarshan's revelation? Let us know.

Also Read: 'Bha.Bha.Ba' X Review: Dileep Returns In 'No-Logic' Comedy Ft. Mohanlal, Fans Call It 'Pure Madness'

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