Kunjiparamba Caves in Kannur: Unlocking the mystical filming location of Lokah Chapter 1 Chandra

The Kalyani Priyadarshan-starrer Malayalam film 'Lokah Chapter 1 Chandra' is enjoying an impressive box office success, entertaining both Malayali and non-Malayali audiences. Now, viewers are busy forming fan theories, reviewing the characters and the universe of the film. One of the main aspects being discussed online is the majestic locations in which the cave sequences of the movie were shot.

While several social media posts have speculated and named various cave formations in Kerala as the shooting spots, sources from Wayfarer Films told Onmanorama that the original location was the Kunjiparamba Caves of Kannur. Then what about the uncanny resemblance to other famous caves of Kerala? The recreations are all thanks to the craftsmanship of the film's art department!

If you are a movie enthusiast tourist who loves to learn more about the original locations of films, here's everything you need to know about Kunjiparamba caves. 

Where is it?
The caves are located on a private rubber plantation in Payyavoor, in Kannur district's Iritty taluk. It is about 46 km from Kannur city and is an interior location, according to many who have travelled to the spot. 

What's special about it?
A self-formed, natural cave system, it is said to be around 500 metres in length and about 15 metres in height. It has two cabins. Sanal Elambachi, a mediaperson who has toured the spot in the past, says: "It is extremely dark inside the cave even during the daytime, and we will need a torch to see anything clearly. That said, there are occasional light holes. The caves are home to bat colonies; the odour from their droppings is quite strong."

Nobody ventures there during the Monsoon season as rainwater fills up the caves. Though there is a strong presence of bats, many local people have memories of playing in the cave, chasing bats and the like during their childhood. Apparently, a local priest was instrumental in fashioning the steps that lead visitors down into the cave. The caves were apparently the location for many other movies, too, in the past. 

Is it formally open for tourists?
As the caves are located on private property, the panchayat hasn't been able to take it up officially for tourism. However, tourists still visit the caves, though it is not encouraged. Many also allege the presence of anti-social elements who occasionally occupy the cave to drink and abuse drugs. 

What to be careful of? 
One of the cabins requires you to crawl in to reach its 'light hole.' Beware of the presence of bats. The caves are dangerous during monsoons. No accidents have ever been reported from there, according to the local people.