Dulquer Salman Thanks Telugu Audience for Embracing Kotha Lokah as Their Own
Malayalam star Dulquer Salmaan’s production banner Wayfarer Films delivered a landmark superhero film, Lokah Chapter 1: Chandra, directed by Dominic Arun. Starring Kalyani Priyadarshan and Naslen K. Gafoor in lead roles, the film was released in Telugu states under Sithara Entertainments by noted producer Suryadevara Naga Vamsi as Kotha Lokah 1: Chandra.
Touted as India’s first female-led superhero saga, the film has not only captured hearts in Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana but is also winning global appreciation. Setting the box office on fire, it grossed over ₹100 crores in its very first week, creating new benchmarks in Malayalam cinema history. Celebrating this phenomenal success, the team hosted a grand victory event in Hyderabad, attended by star directors Nag Ashwin and Venky Atluri as chief guests.
Dulquer Salmaan’s Gratitude
Speaking at the event, Dulquer Salmaan said:
“We have produced seven films under Wayfarer Films, but working with such a brilliant team for Kotha Lokah has been a special experience. Everyone put their heart into it. The credit goes to the incredible cast and crew. I trusted the team completely and hardly interfered during shooting. Cinematographer Nimish Ravi, who is also a close friend, brought this story to me, and I immediately decided to produce it.
For Malayalam standards, this budget is quite high, but we never worried about money—we worked like it was our dream project. Not a single rupee was wasted. The bond between director Dominic Arun and Nimish Ravi shows in every frame. I am thankful to Naga Vamsi for releasing it in Telugu. Kalyani Priyadarshan is like a sister to me, and when it came to the role of Chandra, we couldn’t imagine anyone else. I truly thank Telugu audiences for owning this film as if it is their own cinema, just like you have embraced me.”
Nag Ashwin on Kotha Lokah
Director Nag Ashwin added:
“When Kalyani once mentioned she was doing a small Malayalam film, I never imagined it would now stand tall with a ₹100 crore poster. I watched the first show in Chennai, and it blew me away. The writing, the visuals by Nimish Ravi, and the music by Jakes Bejoy are outstanding. Telugu audiences always support good cinema, and I am sure this will only grow further. Like everyone, I am waiting for Chapter 2. Dulquer has once again proven his passion for cinema—just like in Mahanati, here too he has invested his love and courage into this project.”
Venky Atluri’s Appreciation
Director Venky Atluri praised the film, saying:
“This is a technically brilliant film. Everyone says they made a ₹300-crore-looking film on a ₹30-crore budget, which is true. For Malayalam cinema, it was a huge risk, but Dulquer’s courage paid off. Nimish Ravi and art director Banglan deserve special appreciation. Every actor has done a wonderful job, and Kalyani Priyadarshan delivered a terrific performance. Her action sequences are top-notch. Director Dominic Arun deserves every bit of praise for shaping this masterpiece. I’m also glad that Naga Vamsi scored success with this Telugu release.”
Producer Naga Vamsi’s Remarks
Producer Suryadevara Naga Vamsi said:
“The moment I saw the teaser, I decided that this film must release in Telugu. Bringing such a superhero spectacle to Telugu audiences is a matter of pride. This is a theatre experience, and I’m sure Telugu viewers will make it a huge success.”
Kalyani Priyadarshan’s Emotional Note
Kalyani Priyadarshan expressed:
“My first love always came from Telugu audiences, and I will never forget that. After so long, meeting you all again with Kotha Lokah makes me so happy. If the right stories come, I definitely want to do more Telugu films. The way you are treating Kotha Lokah as your own movie gives us strength. Thank you for this massive hit.”
Naslen K. Gafoor’s Experience
Actor Naslen K. Gafoor shared:
“This is my third time in Hyderabad, and being here with all of you is special. Words are not enough to describe the love Telugu audiences are showing for Kotha Lokah. This wouldn’t have been possible without Dulquer sir. I also thank Naga Vamsi garu for releasing it in Telugu. Acting alongside Kalyani was a great experience.”
Director Dominic Arun’s Words
Director Dominic Arun said:
“We started this as a small film, but it grew into something magical because of this wonderful team. For any director, this kind of response is a dream. I am deeply thankful to Dulquer for believing in my story and producing it. Thanks to Naga Vamsi for releasing it on such a huge scale in Telugu. The love from Telugu audiences means the world to us.”
Composer Jakes Bejoy on Music
Music director Jakes Bejoy added:
“My experience in Telugu films like Taxiwala and SR Kalyanamandapam helped me bring mass elements into this Malayalam superhero film. Being part of such a path-breaking project is a privilege, and the audience’s response has been overwhelming.”
The grand celebration, hosted by anchor Suma, was attended by actors Arun Kurian, Chandu, cinematographer Nimish Ravi, art director Banglan, writer Shanti, lyricist Rambabu, and many others, who all expressed their joy at the film’s success and thanked audiences for their support.
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