Lokah Chapter 1 Slammed For Insulting Girls, Hurting Religious Sentiments; Production Company Issues Apology
The Malayalam film Lokah Chapter 1: Chandra, starring Kalyani, daughter of filmmaker Priyadarshan, has been praised for its strong box office performance. However, it has also faced criticism for offending people from Karnataka and for allegedly demeaning Bengaluru girls. Following the backlash, the production house, Wayfarer Films, issued an apology and promised to remove the problematic dialogue.
The apology from Wayfarer Films stated, “It has come to our attention that a dialogue delivered by the one of the characters in our film Lokah: Chapter one has unintentionally hurt the sentiments of people from Karnataka.” It added, “At Wayfarer films, we place people above everything else, we deeply regret this oversight and assure you that on offence was intended. The dialogue in question will be removed/edited at the earliest. We sincerely apologise for the hurt caused and humbly request to accept our apology.”
#Lokah pic.twitter.com/q18SX8dh7G
— Wayfarer Films (@DQsWayfarerFilm) September 2, 2025
In the film, actor Sandy plays the antagonist, Inspector Nachiyappa Gowda, a misogynistic character who disrespects women. In one scene, when his mother suggests he marry a girl from Bengaluru, he responds, “Bengaluru girls are dagaar (promiscuous).” This line upset many in Karnataka, who criticized the filmmakers for stereotyping and demeaning women from the region.
The film has also been accused of hurting religious sentiments. One user commented, “Lokah is being celebrated as a ‘pathbreaking Malayalam superhero film.’ But beneath the spectacle lies a narrative that systematically vilifies Hindu traditions while glorifying missionary imagery.”
According to movies like Kannada Bhima, Malayalam films Officer on Duty, Avesham, and now Lokah,Bengaluru is being portrayed as the capital of drugs and crime.Once upon a time,it was represented in movies as a beautiful town,has come to such a state due to uncontrolled migration.
— ಮಂಸೋರೆ/ManSoRe (@mansore25) September 1, 2025
#Lokah intentionally hurt the sentiments of both a region n a religion. Kerala ppl go to Karnataka for jobs and education, yet local Kerala boys always use slurs against Karnataka women. Now movie repeats the same. But apologized only for regional sentiments, not for religious. https://t.co/SbYYQK2Fvo pic.twitter.com/K0p8GMU67N
— Saffron Cap (@dalit_in) September 2, 2025
Another user wrote, “#Lokah intentionally hurt the sentiments of both a region n a religion. Kerala ppl go to Karnataka for jobs and education, yet local Kerala boys always use slurs against Karnataka women. Now movie repeats the same. But apologized only for regional sentiments, not for religious.”
Despite the controversies, Lokah Chapter 1: Chandra has seen success since its release. With minimal promotion and only 649 shows across India on its opening day, it earned Rs. 2.7 crore. Within six days, the number of shows increased by 300% to over 1,800, and the film collected Rs. 38.95 crore at the Indian box office. Made on a budget of Rs. 30-33 crore, the film, directed by Dominic Arun and produced by Dulquer Salmaan, also stars Naslen, known for Premalu, in the lead role.
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