Lokah Chapter 1 – Chandra is being hailed as the coolest film of the year, and it's already rewriting box office records. Directed by Dominic Arun and produced by Dulquer Salmaan, the film features Kalyani Priyadarshan in the lead along with Naslen, Sandy, Arun Kurian, and Chandu Salim Kumar. Released in theatres on August 28, Lokah has received immense love for its powerful performances and refreshing storytelling. But while the spotlight is on the lead actors, there's one name quietly winning hearts, actress-turned-writer Santhy Balachandran.
How Santhy Balachandran took Lokah to next level?
Santhy isn’t just part of the industry, she’s redefining her place in it. A well-known face in Malayalam cinema, Santhy co-wrote Lokah along with director Dominic Arun. Her contribution to bringing Chandra to life, Malayalam cinema’s first female superhero, is being praised for giving depth, strength, and sensitivity to the character.
The story, which draws inspiration from Aithihyamala, Kerala’s classic folktale collection, is given a modern superhero twist. The fresh approach has helped Lokah appeal to a wider audience, including Telugu and Hindi filmgoers, making it a true pan-India success.
While Kalyani Priyadarshan’s stellar performance anchors the film, she has been vocal in crediting Santhy as the “biggest creative force” behind Lokah. Santhy’s involvement in the writing process has earned praise from celebrities, audience and critics alilke, lauded her thoughtful and bold storytelling.
In a recent social media post, Santhy opened up about how her parents supported her creative pursuits, especially her transition from acting to writing. The post is very heartwarming.
Who is Santhy Balachandra?
Santhy Balachandran’s journey to this moment is as fascinating as the film itself. Born in Kottayam, she lived across various parts of India due to her parents’ transferable jobs. But what truly sets her apart is her academic background, a postgraduate degree in anthropology from Oxford University. Alongside academics, she is also a trained visual artist, having held six solo exhibitions and participated in numerous group shows.
Her entry into cinema was with Tharangam (2017), directed by Dominic Arun, where she played a kleptomaniac opposite Tovino Thomas. She then appeared in Jallikattu (2019), Lijo Jose Pellissery’s critically acclaimed film, where she was the only female presence in a hyper-masculine narrative. Her character, Sophie, stood out for being quietly manipulative and clever.
Santhy continued to pick unique roles, from a troubled bride in Paapam Cheyyathavar Kalleriyatte (2020) to a supporting yet memorable part in her Hindi debut, Gulmohar, currently streaming on Disney+ Hotstar.
Coming back to the film, the Kalyani Priyadarshan-led superhero film Lokah has made an impressive start at the box office, collecting Rs 24.30 crore nett in India within just four days of its release, according to Sacnilk. Backed by positive responses and strong word-of-mouth, Lokah is quickly establishing itself as the frontrunner in the Onam 2025 movie lineup.
How Santhy Balachandran took Lokah to next level?
Santhy isn’t just part of the industry, she’s redefining her place in it. A well-known face in Malayalam cinema, Santhy co-wrote Lokah along with director Dominic Arun. Her contribution to bringing Chandra to life, Malayalam cinema’s first female superhero, is being praised for giving depth, strength, and sensitivity to the character.
The story, which draws inspiration from Aithihyamala, Kerala’s classic folktale collection, is given a modern superhero twist. The fresh approach has helped Lokah appeal to a wider audience, including Telugu and Hindi filmgoers, making it a true pan-India success.
While Kalyani Priyadarshan’s stellar performance anchors the film, she has been vocal in crediting Santhy as the “biggest creative force” behind Lokah. Santhy’s involvement in the writing process has earned praise from celebrities, audience and critics alilke, lauded her thoughtful and bold storytelling.
In a recent social media post, Santhy opened up about how her parents supported her creative pursuits, especially her transition from acting to writing. The post is very heartwarming.
Who is Santhy Balachandra?
Santhy Balachandran’s journey to this moment is as fascinating as the film itself. Born in Kottayam, she lived across various parts of India due to her parents’ transferable jobs. But what truly sets her apart is her academic background, a postgraduate degree in anthropology from Oxford University. Alongside academics, she is also a trained visual artist, having held six solo exhibitions and participated in numerous group shows.
Her entry into cinema was with Tharangam (2017), directed by Dominic Arun, where she played a kleptomaniac opposite Tovino Thomas. She then appeared in Jallikattu (2019), Lijo Jose Pellissery’s critically acclaimed film, where she was the only female presence in a hyper-masculine narrative. Her character, Sophie, stood out for being quietly manipulative and clever.
Santhy continued to pick unique roles, from a troubled bride in Paapam Cheyyathavar Kalleriyatte (2020) to a supporting yet memorable part in her Hindi debut, Gulmohar, currently streaming on Disney+ Hotstar.
Coming back to the film, the Kalyani Priyadarshan-led superhero film Lokah has made an impressive start at the box office, collecting Rs 24.30 crore nett in India within just four days of its release, according to Sacnilk. Backed by positive responses and strong word-of-mouth, Lokah is quickly establishing itself as the frontrunner in the Onam 2025 movie lineup.
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