Lokah Cinematic Universe Expands: Tovino Thomas Confirmed to Headline ‘Lokah Chapter 2’

In a major announcement that has set the South Indian film industry abuzz, the makers of the record-shattering superhero film Lokah Chapter 1: Chandra have officially confirmed the sequel, titled Lokah Chapter 2, with Malayalam superstar Tovino Thomas stepping into the leading role. The news was shared by actor-producer Dulquer Salmaan, whose production banner Wayfarer Films is backing the ambitious franchise.

The announcement comes on the heels of the immense critical and commercial success of the first chapter, which starred Kalyani Priyadarshan as Chandra, an unprecedented female superhero inspired by the folklore of Kalliyankattu Neeli. The film’s remarkable run at the box office, making it one of the highest-grossing Malayalam films and a landmark female-led Indian production, has paved the way for this exciting continuation of the cinematic universe.

A Deep Dive into Folklore with Tovino’s ‘Michael’

While Lokah Chapter 1: Chandra introduced audiences to the world of a mythology-infused, modern fantasy, the sequel is set to pivot its focus onto the character of Michael, a ‘Chaathan’ or goblin, played by Tovino Thomas. Thomas had a memorable cameo as the mischievous Michael in the first installment, a role which hinted at a larger narrative arc.

The official announcement from Dulquer Salmaan’s Wayfarer Films was accompanied by a special promotional video, “When Legends Chill: Michael and Charlie,” which features a dynamic and witty exchange between Tovino Thomas’s Michael and Dulquer Salmaan’s character, Charlie, an Odiyan (a mythical shapeshifter), who also appeared in a cameo in the first film. The clip not only provides a glimpse into the fun chemistry between the two actors but also teases the central conflict of the sequel. Michael cryptically mentions that “his brother was released” and that this sibling is “violent” and a potential new threat, suggesting that Lokah Chapter 2 will delve deeper into the world of Chaathans and a more personal, high-stakes battle.

Creative Team Returns to Guide the Saga

Ensuring a seamless creative vision, Lokah Chapter 2 will once again be written and directed by Dominic Arun, who helmed the original. The sequel will be produced by Dulquer Salmaan’s Wayfarer Films, with Dominic Arun building on the five-part universe he has envisioned. Nimish Ravi is set to handle the cinematography, and Jakes Bejoy will return as the music composer, maintaining the distinct visual and auditory style established in Chapter 1.

The transition of the lead role to Tovino Thomas signifies the expansive nature of the Lokah saga, which aims to explore various mythological figures and their roles in the modern world. With the box office success of the initial chapter providing a solid foundation, the casting of Tovino Thomas—an actor synonymous with successful genre films like Minnal Murali—further elevates the anticipation for the sophomore installment, promising an action-packed, folklore-rich superhero adventure.

Lokah Chapter 2, revolving around the captivating and complex Chaathan, Michael, is expected to take the franchise to new heights, solidifying the Malayalam industry’s position in the pan-Indian superhero landscape. A release date for the highly anticipated sequel is yet to be announced.