Following the unprecedented success of the dark fantasy superhero film 'Lokah: Chapter 1 - Chandra', director Dominic Arun has officially commenced work on its highly anticipated sequel. The filmmaker confirmed that he is actively developing the screenplay for 'Lokah: Chapter 2', riding high on the wave of the first installment's blockbuster performance.
From Humble Vision to Box Office Phenomenon
In a recent appearance at The Hollywood Reporter India's Directors Roundtable, Dominic Arun opened up about the film's journey. He expressed astonishment at the monumental success, which far exceeded his expectations. The director admitted his initial approach was a "selfish thing," focused on creating a film he personally enjoyed—one packed with classic superhero moments. The turning point came during early script narrations to friends. Their enthusiastic reception gave him the first indication that the concept had widespread appeal. "Everybody is enjoying it; everybody is getting what I’m trying to communicate," Arun recalled, marking the moment he sensed the project's potential.
The Road to Lokah Chapter 2
The director shared that the project's scale and expectations have now escalated dramatically. He revealed that when he first approached actor-producer Dulquer Salmaan with the idea, the response was overwhelmingly positive, with Salmaan getting "super excited." However, the runaway success has brought new challenges. Arun confessed there is now significant pressure for the sequel and that crafting the follow-up has been difficult. He emphasized that there is no guaranteed formula for a blockbuster, prompting him to return to basics. "I’ll go back to the basics, start writing, and then see how it goes," he stated, confirming that he has already penned a couple of scenes for the next chapter.
Recapping a Record-Breaking First Chapter
'Lokah: Chapter 1 - Chandra', which stormed into theatres on August 28, 2025, redefined success in Malayalam cinema. Headlined by Kalyani Priyadarshan in the lead role, the film featured a strong supporting cast including Naslen, Sandy, Chandu Salim Kumar, and Arun Kurian. Made on a reported budget of approximately Rs 30 crore, the film achieved a staggering financial milestone, earning over Rs 300 crore at the worldwide box office. It was lauded by both audiences and critics, cementing its place as one of the biggest superhits in the industry's history and naturally paving the way for a sequel.
With the foundation laid by an iconic first chapter, all eyes are now on Dominic Arun and his team as they embark on the ambitious journey to expand the 'Lokah' universe, aiming to capture the same magic that resonated with millions.
