The excitement around the film Lokah Chapter 1: Chandra, and the Lokah Universe shows how the Malayali audience is embracing modern interpretations of its old folklore characters. The film series, directed by Dominic Arun, has promised to bring more of these mythical creatures to life on screen.
We have already been introduced to three of them: Kalliyankattu Neeli, played by Kalyani Priyadarshan, Chathan, played by Tovino Thomas; and Odiyan, played by Dulquer Salmaan. Additionally, we also got a glimpse of Kadamathatu Kathanar, the 9th-century sorcerer priest, and a character called Muthon, who seems to be the leader of the gang of mythical characters.
The first instalment gave the audience a tease of many of the universe's other characters through cameo appearances. Not much is known about these actors' roles, but fans can speculate what is to come in future parts.
So here are a few of Kerala's folklore characters that could appear in the Lokah-verse. Many of these characters exist mainly in the collective imagination of Malayalis who grew up hearing about them and have only been rarely portrayed in popular art and films.
Maadan
A Changala Madan, known sometimes as just a Madan, is a restless ghost of a man who was killed while bound in chains. The spirit often hangs around in cremation grounds and lonely paths, rattling its chains in the dark. They are not all bad, as some sorcerers are said to invoke them using toddy and a rooster’s cry to ward off evil and protect homes.
Marutha
The Aana Marutha is a female bloodsucking vampiric creature known for mischievously seducing lonely victims and then consuming them. She is known for her charm and beauty, and only reveals her real self with bloodshot eyes and fangs once she prepares to feed on her victim. She is also said to leave reversed footprints when she walks.
Arukola
Arukolas are another kind of bloodsucking ghouls from Malayalam folklore. They are often said to be a massive, faceless, headless, floating creature who sometimes rides a horse. The Arukola is said to be a vengeful spirit belonging to a chieftain who was brutally killed without fulfilling rituals.
Another variation of these ghouls is a Neet-Arukola, a water spirit said to originate from the spirit of someone who died by drowning. These creatures often chase people down to drown them in nearby rivers and lakes.
Thendan
While there are regional differences, a Thenden is often an entity that trails around paddy fields and devours humans who dare make eye contact with it. They are said to be taller than regular humans, making them almost giant-like creatures with huge bloodshot eyes and massive teeth. They are worshipped in some areas and will leave you alone as long as you don't cross their path.
Thee Chamundi
Chamundi is considered a goddess incarnation of Adi Para Shakti, and was born from the brow of the goddess Durga while she was fighting with the demons Chanda and Munda. Chamundi is a fierce goddess known for vanquishing evil forces. She is worshipped in her Thee Chamundi Theyyam form, where she is said to take over the bodies of Theyyam performers who are adorned with elaborate costumes and a headdress.
