The Lokah Effect: Why India’s Next Big Superhero Is A Woman

When was the last time an Indian woman-led superhero film not only owned the screen but also rewrote box-office history? That is exactly what the Malayalam blockbuster Lokah: Chapter 1 – Chandra has done. For the first time, the main character isn’t just a love interest in the background, she’s the one driving the entire story. Audiences are flocking the theatres to catch a superhero film told from a woman’s perspective, and the enthusiasm has been clearly visible.

Lokah blends breathtaking action with moments of tenderness, making it more than just a financial success, it feels like a cultural moment, proof that viewers are hungry for women-led stories in regional cinema.

Meet the Woman Shaping India's New Superhero 

One of the most important reasons for Lokah's influence is the creative genius behind it. Santhy Balachandran, an actor-turned-writer with a educational background from Oxford, co-wrote the script. Her contribution extended beyond writing, shaping the way the movie was formed and showcased.

As Kalyani Priyadarshan, playing Chandra, told OnManorama, "Not just a writer. She is the biggest creative force in this. From writing to promotions, she has been part of this. Also, she has served as the emotional pillar of the film." This recognition by the main actor is reflective of how Balachandran's vision anchored the film in both spectacle and soul.

Breaking Records and Making History

The box office success of the film has been just as remarkable. Trade reports suggest Lokah raked in about ₹90 crore globally in its opening week, breaking previous female-centric South Indian films like Mahanati and Rudhrama Devi.

It is now the highest-grossing female-centric South Indian film.That achievement speaks volumes about its reach and appeal.

How Lokah is Leading a Feminist Wave in Regional Cinema

Importantly, Lokah isn’t an isolated case. Cinema from the regions has in recent times experienced a surge of feminist storytelling that is bold and also nuanced.

In Tamil cinema, Gargi portrayed the ceaseless struggle for justice by a woman. Ponniyin Selvan 2, not being a superhero movie, had its complex female character such as Nandini who significantly shaped the plot.

Even male-directed movies such as Minnal Murali brought up debates regarding the lack of women in superhero characters, debates that Lokah appears to respond to.

Why Fans Can’t Get Enough of Chandra

Step into any packed theatre and you’ll see it, young viewers aren’t just chasing spectacle, they’re chasing authenticity. A Kerala-based superhero, born out of local folklore, sensibility, and culture, is different from a borrowed generic global blueprint. It’s that rootedness in local culture that gives her a universal appeal.

Lokah’s success goes beyond just numbers. It shows that regional cinema is becoming the new face of feminist storytelling in India. With women like Santhy Balachandran writing and shaping these stories, and audiences embracing them, the so-called "Lokah effect" can very well signal the beginning of a new Era: the one where the female superhero is no longer a rarity but a strong force in Indian cinema.

Views expressed by the author are their own.