Following the controversial release of Empuraan, Malayalam cinema has sparked another round of debate with anti-Hindu film Lokah, which is being hailed as a groundbreaking superhero film rooted in Kerala folklore. However, critics argue that beneath its cinematic appeal lies a narrative with clear ideological overtones particularly one that casts Hindu traditions in a negative light while portraying Christian imagery in a glorified manner.
The protagonist, Kalliyankattu Neeli, is a figure from Kerala’s traditional folklore, historically feared as a Yakshi, a spirit known for its vengeful nature. In Lokah, however, she is reinterpreted as a liberator of the oppressed. A key turning point in the story involves her killing a Hindu king who had ordered the massacre of her people for entering a temple. This portrayal positions Hindu rulers as brutal and exclusionary, and temples as symbols of systemic oppression framing defiance against these structures as heroic.
Interestingly, the character who guides Neeli toward becoming a force for good is not a Hindu figure such as a sage or protector but Kadamattathu Kathanar, a Christian priest. He is depicted as the one who recruits Neeli to serve a greater moral purpose. This narrative choice places the Christian cleric in the role of the redemptive guide, a common trope in stories where religious authority is used to frame morality.
The underlying message, as critics see it, is unambiguous: Hindu figures are cast as antagonists, while Christian characters are shown as moral saviors. This theme continues into the climax, where Neeli and her companion defeat Nachiyappa, a Hindu police officer portrayed as corrupt and abusive. They also dismantle the Garuda Force a fictional elite military unit resembling the Indian armed forces in a location named the Holy Grail Café. The symbolism here is carefully chosen: Hindu law enforcement is villainized, the military is portrayed as oppressive, and Christian symbols like the “Holy Grail” represent righteousness and victory.
Though marketed under the themes of folklore, feminism, and fantasy, the film has drawn criticism for allegedly embedding a polarizing ideological message into mainstream entertainment. Detractors believe that traditional Hindu symbols are vilified, while Christian motifs are upheld and celebrated.
The timing of the film’s release has also been questioned. Arriving during Onam, Kerala’s most significant Hindu festival, Lokah’s reimagining of folklore and cultural memory has struck a nerve with some viewers, who feel that it seeks to redefine long-standing traditions at a moment when they are publicly honored.
(This article is based on an X Thread By The Jaipur Dialogues)
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