Santhy Balachandran: The Anthropologist Who Wrote Kerala’s Superhero Blockbuster

In an industry often defined by glitz and glamour, Santhy Balachandran stands out for her quiet brilliance, intellectual depth, and creative versatility. Known to many as the actor from the Hindi-language family drama Gulmohar (2023), Santhy has now made headlines for co-writing the Malayalam superhero film Lokah: Chapter 1 – Chandra, starring Kalyani Priyadarshan. But her journey from academia to cinema is anything but conventional—and it’s inspiring a new generation of storytellers.

From Anthropology to Artistry
Santhy’s story begins in Kottayam, Kerala, where she was born and raised. After completing her undergraduate studies at Hyderabad Central University, she pursued a postgraduate degree in Anthropology at Oxford University in 2011. But despite the prestige and promise of an academic career, Santhy chose to follow her passion for the performing arts.

In a heartfelt Instagram post following the success of Lokah, she reflected on her decision to leave Oxford behind:

“My choice to give up a stable academic life in Oxford for a life of uncertainty in the arts has not been easy on [my parents]… To watch them feel joy and some measure of relief after all the anxious nights I have given them is the best thing the success of Lokah has given me.”

A Theatre Veteran Turned Film Actor
Before her screenwriting acclaim, Santhy was already a respected name in Malayalam theatre and cinema. She made her film debut in Arun Dominic’s 2017 fantasy black comedy Tharangam, opposite Tovino Thomas. Her nuanced performance as Malini—a bold, independent guest lecturer—earned her critical praise.

She later appeared in Lijo Jose Pellissery’s Jallikkattu (2019), portraying the only female character in the film. Her role as Sophie was described as “somebody with her own agenda and who is no pushover,” showcasing her ability to bring depth to even limited screen time.

In 2023, she made her Hindi film debut in Gulmohar, sharing the screen with legends like Sharmila Tagore, Manoj Bajpayee, and Simran. The film, a poignant exploration of family and identity, introduced Santhy to a pan-Indian audience.

The Creative Force Behind Lokah
Santhy’s latest triumph comes not in front of the camera, but behind the scenes. She co-wrote Lokah: Chapter 1 – Chandra with director Dominic Arun, crafting a story that blends Kerala’s folklore with modern superhero tropes3. The film, released on August 28, 2025, stars Kalyani Priyadarshan as Chandra—Malayalam cinema’s first female superhero—and has already grossed over ₹60 crore worldwide.

Kalyani herself praised Santhy’s contribution, saying:

“Not just a writer. She is the biggest creative force in this. From writing to promotions, she has been part of this. Also, she has been the emotional backbone of the movie.”

The film draws inspiration from Aithihyamala, Kerala’s classic folktale collection, and reimagines it through a feminist, action-packed lens. Santhy’s writing has been lauded for its emotional depth, cultural authenticity, and bold storytelling choices.

Redefining Roles in Indian Cinema
Santhy Balachandran is more than just an actor or writer—she’s a creative polymath redefining what it means to be a woman in Indian cinema. Her journey from Oxford to Lokah is a testament to the power of passion, resilience, and artistic courage.

As Malayalam cinema continues to evolve and embrace new genres, voices like Santhy’s are leading the charge. Whether she’s performing on stage, acting on screen, or crafting narratives behind the scenes, her work resonates with intelligence, empathy, and originality.

Sources: Hindustan Times, Economic Times, Wikipedia