Dominic Arun’s Lokah: Chapter 1 – Chandra, starring Kalyani Priyadarshan and Naslen, has been praised for its fresh take on the superhero genre. But one misogynistic dialogue has completely overshadowed the applause, sparking outrage among Kannadigas and forcing the makers to issue an apology.
Here’s a breakdown of the controversy:
1. The Dialogue That Sparked the Fire
In the film, antagonist Inspector Nachiyappa Gowda (played by Sandy) refuses to marry a Bengaluru girl, saying women from the city are “characterless” and even uses derogatory slang. The line wasn’t just unnecessary — it directly insulted Bengaluru women.
2. Kannadigas Say Enough Is Enough
After the release, social media exploded with criticism. Kannadigas demanded accountability not only from the actor but also from producer Dulquer Salmaan and the entire creative team, accusing them of stereotyping and demeaning Bengaluru girls.
3. Beyond One Dialogue – A Bigger Problem
Netizens also pointed out other problematic elements: scenes showing partying and drug use by Naslen’s character, Sunny. Critics argue the film unfairly paints young Bengaluru culture in a negative, toxic light.
4. Dulquer’s Wayfarer Films Issues Apology
Caught in the backlash, Wayfarer Films released an official statement:
They admitted the dialogue unintentionally hurt Kannadigas.
Promised to remove/edit the line from the film at the earliest.
Requested the public to accept their apology, insisting no offence was intended.
5. A Wake-Up Call for Filmmakers
This incident highlights a recurring issue in indian cinema — casually targeting women or entire communities for a laugh or shock value. Such portrayals not only hurt sentiments but also normalize misogyny and city-specific stereotypes.
⚠️ Final Word
Bengaluru girls did not deserve this insult on the big screen. Lokah’s apology may patch the wound, but the scar is a reminder: cinema carries responsibility, and careless dialogue can undo an entire film’s goodwill.
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