Kalyani Priyadarshan’s Lokah: Chapter One – Chandra has sparked controversy, with critics alleging Hinduphobic portrayals of Hindu traditions. While some demand a boycott, others defend it as folklore-inspired creative storytelling.
Kochi: Kalyani Priyadarshan-starrer Lokah: Chapter One – Chandra has stirred a controversy among right-wing groups, who alleged that the depiction of mythological themes in the film distorts cultural narratives and hurts sentiments. They pointed out scenes where a Hindu king allegedly burns a temple, Christian missionaries are portrayed as saviors, heroine reacts with disgust upon seeing a Vinayak idol, and the main villain murders his mother in front of Hindu deity pictures. According to them, such depictions unfairly vilify Hindu traditions while glorifying other narratives. The filmmakers were also targeted on religious lines.
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Criticism of Lokah Sparks Meme Fest
While a few supported the post, saying it was a wise decision to stop watching Malayalam films, others defended the film for being a work of creative imagination and dismissed the allegations. “Let’s not forget that the leading actress Kalyani’s father, the Chairman of Janam TV, was promoting the movie. That channel consistently promotes Hinduphobic content. I urge all Sanatanis to boycott Janam TV. Channel is headquartered in Kanattukara, Thrissur, Kerala,” a post read. A social media user remarked that non-Malayalis are free to boycott Malayalam films if they find them objectionable, but stressed that most Malayalis view religion as a personal matter and treat cinema as a form of art. The user added that portrayals of gods on screen do not disturb their faith, emphasizing that Malayalis are not insecure about such depictions. Another user quipped sarcastically that the film Conjuring should also be banned since it failed to show a Hindu god rescuing people from “Christian ghosts.”
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What is Lokah About?
Directed by Arun Dominic and Produced by Dulquer Salmaan, Lokah follows Chandra, a mysterious woman who moves to Bengaluru under the guidance of Moothon, the leader of a covert network of beings with extraordinary powers. While living quietly and working in a café, she draws the attention of three bachelors. The film closes with mid- and post-credit sequences that expand the universe, introducing new characters and hinting at upcoming chapters in the saga. The characters in the film are actually drawn from Kerala folklore compiled by Kottarathil Sankunni, a dominant caste Malayali from the temple caretaker community, who began documenting these tales as early as 1909.