Kalyani Priyadarshan Remuneration: For Lokah: Malayalam cinema ventures into unexplored territory with Lokah Chapter 1: Chandra, a film that takes up the task of creating another homegrown superhero universe. Dominick Arun directs and Dulquer Salmaan’s Wayfarer Films produces, and they now present the cinematic universe timeline of the Wayfarer Universe. Kalyani Priyadarshan herself stands at the center as a lady superhero- a cult figure in terms of a Malayalam film. It has kept fans wondering: what is she being paid for this very heavy role?
Kalyani has gained her footing across multiple industries-Malayalam, Tamil, and Telugu-and walks the line between commercial entertainers and performance-driven cinema. From her films Hridayam, Bro Daddy to Varane Avashyamund, she has earned credence with both critics and audiences alike. Chandra is perhaps her craziest choice, and a superhero in a largely unexplored genre in Malayalam cinema.
While the producers have never officially gone on record regarding her salary, trade insiders opine that the remuneration for Lokah Chapter 1: Chandra would be in the ballpark of ₹80 lakhs to ₹1.2 crore. This is considered on the higher end for Malayalam cinema, which almost operates on shoestring budgets compared to the Telugu or Hindi industries. Besides that, it also places her among the highest-paid actresses in Mollywood, showcasing Kalyani’s pan-Indian appeal and great-budget project ambitions.
Her casting isn’t just about star power; it is about symbolism too. For the very first time, a Malayalam female lead carries a superhero narrative, opening doors for more women-centric blockbusters. With the backing of Dulquer’s production and plans for a cinematic universe, Kalyani’s portrayal could define future installments and perhaps even set new salary benchmarks for actresses in the industry.
Also Read: Lokah Chapter 1 Chandra Review: Is Lady Superhero Drama Worth Watching?
Lokah Chapter 1: Chandra is more than a spectacle; it is a cultural shift for Mollywood. While Kalyani’s paycheck is unlikely to make headlines in Bollywood or Tollywood, it could become the stuff of legends in Malayalam cinema. With her superhero entry, Kalyani may just open new trends of blockbuster success and paychecks for women in the industry.