Kalyani Priyadarshan’s superhero hit Lokah Chapter 1 was expected to be part of JioHotstar’s Diwali OTT lineup, but it’s still missing from the platform. The Malayalam blockbuster, which broke box office records earlier this year, remains unavailable for streaming, leaving fans restless and theories multiplying across social media.
While Lokah Chapter 1 is confirmed to stream on JioHotstar, no official date has been announced yet, and the delay has sparked a full-blown debate on Reddit and X (formerly Twitter).
Why Is Lokah Chapter 1 Not Releasing on OTT Yet?
The most common fan theory? It’s still doing strong theatrical business.
“I went to a mall yesterday — Lokah was still playing,” wrote one Reddit user, pointing out that Dulquer Salmaan’s team might be extending its run after positive audience response.
Others believe the delay could be a strategic streaming decision.
“Every other film released that week is already on OTT. Maybe DQ wants to maximize hype before Lokah 2,” one fan speculated.
Another joked that JioHotstar’s editors are “adding a yellowish filter to match their logo before uploading the master file.”
Humor aside, it’s clear that Lokah Chapter 1 has captured public curiosity far beyond its box office numbers. The film’s slow digital rollout has become an event in itself.
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When will Lokah Chapter 1 Stream on JioHotstar?
While no official date has been confirmed by either JioHotstar or the makers, multiple reports initially suggested an October 17 premiere, a date that has since passed.
Industry trackers and fan accounts now predict a release before or by October 31, making it one of the most anticipated OTT drops of the festive season.
Keep in mind, Lokah Chapter 1’s producer Dulquer Salmaan often aligns releases around fan engagement peaks, and the current online buzz might be exactly what they’re waiting for.
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A Record-Breaking Run at the Box Office
Since its theatrical release on August 28, 2025, Lokah Chapter 1 has been a massive hit.
- Budget: ₹30 crore
- Worldwide gross: ₹301.45 crore
- Overseas collection: ₹119.6 crore
According to trade reports, this makes Lokah Chapter 1 the first Malayalam film to cross ₹300 crore worldwide, setting a new benchmark for the industry.
The success has already prompted the makers to greenlight Lokah Chapter 2, featuring Tovino Thomas in a key role, alongside returning cast members Nishanth Sagar, Arun Kurian, Chandu Salimkumar, and Sarath Sabha.
Fans Theories Summerised
On Reddit, fans have summarized three leading theories for the OTT delay:
- Still earning in theatres: Screens in Kerala and GCC countries continue to run the film.
- Festival timing: A Halloween-week OTT release could drive bigger pan-India visibility.
- Marketing setup: JioHotstar may be planning a Lokah 2 teaser drop alongside the streaming announcement. If true, it’s a clever move keeping the franchise alive in conversation without any official marketing spend.
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