The Malayalam film Loka Chapter 1: Chandra, produced by Dulquer Salmaan’s production house Wayfarer Films and directed by Dominic Arun, stars Kalyani Priyadarshan and Naslen K. Gafoor in lead roles. In Telugu states, the film was released by producer Suryadevara Naga Vamsi under Sithara Entertainments with the title Kotha Loka 1: Chandra.
Promoted as India’s first female superhero film, Kotha Loka 1: Chandra has captured hearts not only in Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana but also across the globe. The film is creating history in Malayalam cinema, grossing over ₹100 crores in its very first week and marching towards a sensational success.
Marking this achievement, the team hosted a grand success celebration in Hyderabad on Wednesday evening, attended by directors Nag Ashwin and Venky Atluri as chief guests.
Dulquer Salmaan (Lead actor & Producer):
“We have produced seven films under the Wayfarer Films banner. Working with such a brilliant team for Kotha Loka has been a joy. Everyone poured their heart into the project. Only with the support of great actors and technicians could we make a film of this scale. As a producer, I gave the team complete freedom. I probably visited the sets just once because I trusted them that much.
Cinematographer Nimish Ravi is a close friend, and it was through him that this story reached me. The moment I heard it, I came forward to produce it. You might feel the budget is modest, but for the Malayalam industry it’s actually huge. I never worried about numbers, though. Everyone worked as if it was their dream project, and not a single rupee was wasted.
If the director and DOP share a strong bond, the film automatically turns out well. Dominic Arun and Nimish Ravi proved that again. My thanks to Naga Vamsi garu for releasing the film in Telugu.
Kalyani Priyadarshan is like a sister to me. We think alike, we vibe the same way. For the role of Chandra, no other name ever came to mind. I’m so grateful to Telugu audiences. Just like you embraced me as your own with love, now you’re embracing Kotha Loka as your own Telugu cinema. That means a lot.”
Director Nag Ashwin:
“When I met Kalyani Priyadarshan in Chennai, she told me she was doing a small Malayalam film. Cut to now, it has become India’s biggest talking point with a 100 crore poster. I watched the first show in Chennai, and I loved it. The writing is fantastic, technically it’s brilliant. Nimish Ravi and Jakes Bejoy have done amazing work.
Telugu audiences always support such quality cinema, and they’re already giving great response. I believe they’ll embrace it even more. Like everyone else, I’m eagerly waiting for the second part. And speaking of Dulquer Salmaan, he acted in Mahanati purely out of love for cinema, and with that same love, he has now produced this superhero film with a 30 crore investment.”
Director Venky Atluri:
“I watched the film and was blown away. Technically brilliant. People are saying they made a 300-crore film on a 30-crore budget. Back when they started, 30 crores was massive for Malayalam cinema. Dulquer Salmaan garu deserves huge credit for having that courage as a producer. Special praise also to cinematographer Nimish Ravi and art director Banglan.
Everyone in Malayalam cinema acts so well, and in this film too every performance shines. Kalyani Priyadarshan has given a terrific performance. I feel proud to know her. Hats off to her action sequences. The writing is strong, and director Dominic Arun deserves every bit of appreciation. Very happy to see Naga Vamsi garu score success with this release.”
Producer Suryadevara Naga Vamsi:
“The moment I saw the teaser, I knew I had to release it in Telugu. I’m proud to distribute such a superhero film. Telugu audiences now have a grand cinematic experience on big screens. It’s a film that must be enjoyed in theatres, and I’m confident Telugu audiences will give it huge success.”
Kalyani Priyadarshan (Lead actress):
“My first fans were Telugu audiences, and I’ll never forget that. Meeting you all again after so long and receiving so much love feels amazing. If the right scripts come, I definitely want to do more Telugu films. What makes me happy is that audiences are treating Kotha Loka like their own Telugu cinema. Your love is our strength, and with your support, many more great films will come. Thank you for giving us this massive hit.”
Naslen K. Gafoor (Lead actor):
“This is my third time in Hyderabad, and I’m thrilled to be here today with all of you. Words aren’t enough to express the love audiences are showering on Kotha Loka. None of this would have been possible without Dulquer Salmaan sir. My thanks to Naga Vamsi garu and Sithara Entertainments for releasing our film in Telugu. It was wonderful acting alongside Kalyani Priyadarshan.”
Director Dominic Arun:
“I never expected such an overwhelming response. We began as a small film, but with a great team, it grew into something big. For any director, this is like a dream come true. I owe everything to Dulquer Salmaan sir, who trusted this story and produced the film. I’m equally grateful to Naga Vamsi garu for releasing it on such a big scale in Telugu. The love Telugu audiences are showing us means so much.”
Music director Jakes Bejoy:
“My work in Telugu films like Taxiwaala and Saripodhaa Sanivaaram gave me the confidence to add mass elements in Malayalam too. I’m happy to have been part of this path-breaking film. The audience response is overwhelming.”
The grand event, hosted by anchor Suma, was attended by actors Arun Kurian, Chandu, cinematographer Nimish Ravi, art director Banglan, writer Shanti, lyricist Rambabu, and others, all celebrating the success of Kotha Loka 1: Chandra. The team extended heartfelt gratitude to audiences showering love on the film.
