Lokah Chapter 1 criticised for demeaning girls and hurting religious sentiments, netizens slam producer Dulquer Salmaan for selective apology

The apology letter further read: “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.”

What was the controversial dialogue used in the Malayalam film Lokah?

In the Malayalam superhero drama, actor Sandy plays the role of the antagonist: Inspector Nachiyappa Gowda. His character is shown as misogynist and someone who often demeans women. In one of the scenes, when his mother asks him to marry a girl from Bengaluru. He refuses and says: ‘Bengaluru girls are dagaar (promiscuous).’ This didn’t go down well with the people of Karnataka, who called out the makers of the film and criticised them for demeaning girls. Following which, the production house issued an apology letter.

Yet, some people are unhappy as the film has also allegedly hurt people’s religious sentiments. A user wrote, “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.”

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.”

How is Lokah performing at the box office?

Since its release on Thursday, Lokah has enjoyed tremendous word-of-mouth. Despite releasing with minimal promotions and just 649 shows across India, the film opened at Rs 2.7 crore. In six days of its release, the film witnessed about 300% boost in the number of shows with over 1800 shows. It collected Rs 38.95 crore India net. The film is reportedly made on a budget of Rs 30-33 crore. Lokah, directed by Dominic Arun, is produced by Dulquer Salmaan. It also stars Premalu fame Naslen in the lead role.

From the homepage

Manoj Jarange Patil signals end to Maratha quota protest after Maharashtra govt assures GR on Kunbi status

PM Modi likely to visit Manipur soon, both sides hope he will hear them out

Manju Sharma, wife of poet Kumar Vishwas, resigns from RPSC after High Court says she ‘compromised integrity’ of 2021 SI recruitment exam