Santhy Balachandran: From Oxford Classrooms to Malayalam’s First Female Superhero Saga

| Published: Tuesday, September 2, 2025, 12:34 [IST]

Malayalam cinema is witnessing a revolution, and at its heart is a name you may not expect – Santhy Balachandran. Known to audiences as a talented actress in films like Tharangam and Jallikkattu, Santhy has now stepped into a new role that’s redefining her career: co-writing Lokah Chapter 1: Chandra, Malayalam cinema’s first female-led superhero film. From Oxford University to the sets of India’s most exciting regional blockbuster, Santhy’s journey is one of courage, creativity, and reinvention.

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Who Is Santhy Balachandran?

Before the headlines celebrated her as co-writer of Lokah Chapter 1: Chandra, Santhy Balachandran had already carved a niche in cinema with unconventional performances. She debuted in Dominic Arun’s 2017 black comedy Tharangam alongside Tovino Thomas and became the only female presence in Lijo Jose Pellissery’s Jallikkattu. Her Hindi debut came with Gulmohar (2023), where she shared screen space with legends like Sharmila Tagore and Manoj Bajpayee.

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From Oxford to On-Screen Magic

Santhy’s story could have followed a very different script. After earning her postgraduate degree in anthropology at Oxford University in 2011, she seemed destined for academia. But her heart leaned toward the arts. In a heartfelt Instagram note, she revealed how her parents supported her decision to leave behind stability for cinema: “They gave me both wings and roots.”

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The Creative Force Behind Lokah Chapter 1: Chandra

Directed by Dominic Arun and produced by Dulquer Salmaan, Lokah has been hailed as one of Malayalam cinema’s boldest experiments. Kalyani Priyadarshan’s Chandra–a superhero inspired by Kerala’s folklore–captured audiences’ imaginations. But behind her strength and sensitivity lies Santhy’s pen. Kalyani herself credited Santhy as the “biggest creative force” in shaping Chandra’s journey, not just through writing but also in promotions and vision.

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Reinventing the Superhero for Indian Cinema

Unlike formulaic superhero tales, Lokah draws from Kerala’s Aithihyamala folk traditions, weaving myth with modernity. The result? A pan-India appeal that has resonated with audiences beyond Kerala, sparking interest among Telugu and Hindi viewers. With box office numbers soaring past ₹60 crore worldwide, Santhy’s writing has proved instrumental in giving Indian superheroes a fresh, culturally rooted voice.

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A Multifaceted Artist

Santhy is not just a writer or actor–she’s also a trained visual artist, with six solo exhibitions to her credit. Her artistic sensibility shapes her storytelling, bringing a layered, almost painterly approach to characters. Her performances in films like Paapam Cheyyathavar Kalleriyatte and her Tamil series Sweet Kaaram Coffee prove her versatility across genres and languages.

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Gratitude and Grounding

As the success of Lokah continues, Santhy has kept her reflections deeply personal. Sharing warm photos with her parents, she described them as her “best cheerleaders” who endured every anxious night of uncertainty. For her, the film’s success isn’t just about industry validation–it’s about giving her family joy and relief after years of sacrifices.

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What’s Next for Santhy Balachandran?

Santhy is already rehearsing for Roshan Mathew’s play Bye Bye Bypass, to be staged this September. She also has upcoming projects like Sambhava Vivaranam Naalara Sangham, where she returns to the screen. With her expanding repertoire as an actor, writer, and creative force, Santhy isn’t just part of Malayalam cinema–she’s helping shape its future.

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Conclusion

From Oxford’s hallowed halls to the bustling film sets of Kerala, Santhy Balachandran’s journey is proof that courage and creativity can rewrite destinies. With Lokah Chapter 1: Chandra, she hasn’t just written a superhero tale–she has redefined what it means to be a storyteller in Indian cinema.

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