Lokah Chapter 1: Chandra Inches Closer to Beating Housefull 5 Worldwide Only ₹92 Lakhs Short!

In what can only be described as a cinematic phenomenon, Lokah Chapter 1: Chandra, the fantasy-action epic starring Kalyani Priyadarshan, continues to rewrite Malayalam box-office history.

After spending more than six weeks in theatres, the film has now reached a massive ₹303.21 crore at the global box office, putting it just ₹92 lakhs (0.92 crore) behind Housefull 5 one of Bollywood’s biggest hits of 2025. As the countdown begins, the question dominating fan discussions is simple: Can Lokah Chapter 1: Chandra overtake Housefull 5 before its theatrical run ends?

A Record-Breaking Journey So Far

Since its release, Lokah Chapter 1: Chandra has shattered every preconceived notion about regional cinema’s reach.

The film, directed by Rohit Krishnan, opened to thunderous applause in Kerala and quickly spread to pan-India markets through dubbed versions in Hindi, Tamil, and Telugu. Critics praised its visual grandeur, while audiences were mesmerized by its emotional depth and mythological world-building.

According to trade reports, Lokah has so far earned:

• Domestic Net: ₹155.61 crore
• Domestic Gross: ₹183.61 crore
• Overseas Gross: ₹119.60 crore
• Worldwide Total: ₹303.21 crore

That puts the movie less than a crore away from surpassing Housefull 5, which stands at ₹304.12 crore globally.

The 46-Day Performance: Still Holding Strong

While most films fade after three or four weeks, Lokah has shown remarkable stamina. On Day 46, it still managed to collect around ₹31–36 lakhs, despite facing competition from new releases.

Trade experts consider this performance “exceptional” for a film in its seventh week particularly one originally produced in Malayalam, a language with a relatively smaller domestic market compared to Hindi or Telugu films. Its consistent earnings have ensured that Lokah remains in the Top-10 list of highest-grossing Indian films of 2025.

What Makes This Feat So Special

If Lokah crosses Housefull 5’s lifetime collection, it will achieve several rare milestones:

1. First Malayalam Film Ever to Surpass ₹304 Crore Worldwide
2. A Regional Film Outselling a Major Bollywood Franchise
3. Proof of Malayalam Cinema’s Expanding Global Footprint

Just a few years ago, it would have been unthinkable for a Malayalam-language fantasy film to challenge the box-office dominance of an Akshay Kumar starrer. Yet, Lokah’s success proves that great storytelling and technical excellence can transcend linguistic boundaries.

Why Fans Believe It’s Possible

1. Strong Overseas Support

Lokah’s biggest strength has been its international appeal. The movie performed exceptionally well in the UAE, Singapore, and the US, where large Malayali communities reside.
Even six weeks after release, overseas screens are reporting near-full weekend shows a clear sign that word-of-mouth remains powerful.

2. Minimal Drop in Kerala Circuits

Unlike typical blockbusters that crash after a few weeks, Lokah’s Kerala box office has seen only a 10–15% weekly drop. The film’s emotional climax and breathtaking cinematography have encouraged repeat audiences, especially among younger viewers.

3. Positive Word-of-Mouth

Critics have unanimously praised the performances, particularly Kalyani Priyadarshan’s transformation into a leading pan-Indian actress. Social media is filled with glowing reviews, edits, and fan theories all keeping the buzz alive even after 45 days.

What Could Stop Lokah From Crossing the Line

While optimism runs high, there are still hurdles:

• Limited Screens Remaining: With new films entering theatres every Friday, Lokah has lost nearly 70% of its original screens, reducing daily capacity.
• OTT Release Approaching: The film is expected to premiere on a streaming platform around October 17, 2025. Once that happens, theatrical revenue will likely dip drastically.
• Daily Earnings Shrinking: At present, Lokah earns around ₹30–35 lakhs per day globally. It will need to maintain that level for at least three more days to surpass Housefull 5’s record.

Housefull 5: The Benchmark to Beat

Starring Akshay Kumar, Riteish Deshmukh, and Pooja Hegde, Housefull 5 was marketed as the grandest comedy in the franchise. It opened to strong numbers, earning over ₹150 crore domestically and finishing its global run at around ₹304 crore.

However, Housefull 5’s performance plateaued quickly, while Lokah continued to grow week after week through strong word-of-mouth and critical acclaim. If Lokah overtakes Housefull 5, it will send a clear message: content and creativity can beat franchise power.

Industry Reactions: “A Win for All Indian Cinema”

Several filmmakers and trade analysts have commented on Lokah’s meteoric rise.

Film trade expert Taran Adarsh recently said on social media: “Lokah 1: Chandra is redefining regional cinema’s potential. A ₹300 crore worldwide collection for a Malayalam fantasy film is simply historic.” Director Anjali Menon, known for Bangalore Days, added:

“The success of Lokah is an inspiration for every regional filmmaker who dreams beyond boundaries. It proves that our stories can compete with any big-budget Hindi film.” Even Bollywood insiders have acknowledged Lokah’s achievement. Several actors congratulated Kalyani and the production team for putting Malayalam cinema on the global map.

Audience Connection: Why Viewers Can’t Get Enough

Part of Lokah’s success lies in its emotional storytelling. The movie blends mythology, spirituality, and science fiction, creating a universe unlike anything seen before in Indian cinema.

Fans particularly praise its message about self-discovery and destiny. Many say the film’s visuals remind them of Baahubali and Avatar, but with a uniquely Indian soul. The soundtrack by Sushin Shyam has also become a chart-topper, adding to the movie’s long shelf life in theatres.

Projected Box Office Path Ahead

If Lokah continues to earn at its current rate, analysts predict it could surpass Housefull 5 within the next 2–3 days.

Here’s a projection of potential outcomes:

Even a modest weekend push in Kerala and GCC regions could help Lokah clinch the milestone.

Lokah’s triumph is more than just a commercial story it’s a cultural milestone. For years, Malayalam cinema has been celebrated for its content but rarely for big-budget spectacles. With Lokah’s success, producers are now realizing that Malayalam stories can be told on a global scale without losing authenticity. This could open the door for more ambitious projects, international collaborations, and higher investments in Malayalam filmmaking.

Given the enormous response, fans are already speculating about Lokah Chapter 2. Director Rohit Krishnan has hinted that the sequel will expand the universe of Lokah and delve deeper into Chandra’s journey. With the current film’s success, Chapter 2 could be mounted on a much larger budget with potential pan-world distribution.

Critical Reception: A Rare Blend of Art and Commerce

Most Indian films struggle to balance artistic depth and box-office appeal but Lokah has achieved both. Critics from The Times of India called it: “A cinematic poem painted on the canvas of mythology.”

International outlets like Variety Asia and The Hindu praised its “stunning visuals, poetic dialogues, and universal themes.” That rare alignment of audience enthusiasm and critical respect is what has propelled Lokah into a once-in-a-generation success story.

With only ₹92 lakhs separating it from Housefull 5, Lokah Chapter 1: Chandra is within touching distance of another historic milestone. Even if it falls slightly short, the achievement remains monumental:

• ₹303 crore+ global haul for a Malayalam original.
• Worldwide recognition for regional storytelling.
• Proof that passion and vision can rival any franchise brand.

But if the current trend continues for just a few more days, Lokah could officially dethrone Housefull 5 and cement its position as one of the top-7 highest-grossing Indian films of 2025. Either way, the film has already won not only the box office but also the hearts of millions who now proudly declare: “Malayalam cinema has arrived on the world stage.”