Chennai, September 12 — The theatrical release of Dulquer Salmaan’s much-anticipated period horror-thriller Kaantha has been officially postponed, as producers opt to let Lokah: Chapter 1 – Chandra continue its record-breaking box office run. Originally slated for a September 12 debut, Kaantha will now arrive at a later date, which is expected to be announced in the coming weeks.
In a joint statement, Dulquer Salmaan and co-producer Rana Daggubati expressed gratitude for the overwhelming response to Kaantha’s teaser, noting that the audience’s enthusiasm has inspired them to deliver a cinematic experience “worth the wait.” They added, “With the resounding success of Lokah, we want Chandra’s rampage in the box office to keep soaring. We are putting together something equally special”.
Lokah: Chapter 1 – Chandra, also backed by Salmaan’s Wayfarer Films, has emerged as one of the year’s biggest hits, grossing over ₹200 crore worldwide within just 13 days of release. The film features Kalyani Priyadarshan as India’s first female superhero and has garnered widespread acclaim for its ambitious storytelling and visual scale.
Directed by Selvamani Selvaraj, Kaantha is set in 1950s Madras and explores the complex relationship between a legendary filmmaker and his protégé. Dulquer Salmaan stars as Chandran, alongside Samuthirakani and Bhagyashri Borse. The film blends psychological drama with slow-burn suspense, supported by a high-profile technical team including Jhanu Chanthar (music), Dani Sanchez-Lopez (cinematography), and Llewellyn Anthony Gonsalvez (editing).
Industry analysts view the postponement as a strategic move to avoid audience fragmentation and maximize the performance of both titles. While fans expressed disappointment over the delay, many acknowledged the wisdom of allowing Lokah to maintain its momentum before Kaantha enters the spotlight.
With anticipation now building further, Kaantha is poised to make a strong impact upon release, promising a richly textured narrative and a compelling cinematic journey.
