‘Lokah Chapter 1: Chandra’ cameos: Who is ‘Chaathan’, the Loki-like goblin that Tovino Thomas will explore in part two?

‘Lokah Chapter 1: Chandra’ has established its legacy already by becoming the first piece of a larger puzzle— a cinematic universe of Indian superheroes that has impressed critics and public alike! What is more exciting is the nativity of the characters, handpicked from the fabulously vivid folklore and myths of Kerala. 

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‘Lokah Chapter 1: Chandra’ introduces *SPOILER ALERT* Kalliyankattu Neeli as one of the good guys, who is otherwise known as a dreaded bloodthirsty supernatural among Keralites. The retelling of the mythical being from 'Aithuhyamala' set the ball in motion for a broader picture, as the world-building needed for the ambitious cinematic universe that Dominic Arun is trying to build has hardly begun.

 

‘Lokah Chapter 1: Chandra’ used cameos effectively to hint at what is in store. *SPOILER ALERT* Soubin Shahir, Dulquer Salmaan, and Tovino Thomas were among the characters teased before the credits started rolling for one final time. While not much was known about Soubin Shahir and Dulquer Salmaan's characters, Tovino's Michael was confirmed to be 'Chaathan', the equivalent of a goblin in Malayali folklore. In Kerala, sorcerers and subaltern traditional practitioners worshipped 'Kuttichathan' (Young Chaathan) as a deity. When Kerala made India's first 3D film was the Malayalam movie in 1984, the movie was named "My Dear Kuttichathan." Directed by Jijo Punnoose, the film revolved around the adventures of the young Chaathan alongside a few kids who managed to free him for an evil sorcerer. 

 

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Chaathan’s origin story is interlinked to Hindu mythology as he is worshipped in some areas as a son of Lord Shiva. However, Malayalis know 'Chathan' the best through Balarama, the famed children's magazine that tells the story of the good guy Mayavi and the troublesome Luttappi — both ‘kuttichathans’. Meanwhile, megastar Mammootty's 'Bhramayugam' introduced a darker and more devilish side of the soulless creature, the kind that needs to be banished from one’s sorroundings for good. 

 

‘Lokah Chapter 1: Chandra’, however, portrays 'Chaathan' a.k.a Micheal in a rather Loki-like image. He is charming, chivalrous, mischievous, and plays with the minds of the people. The story of goblins is likely to be the next instalment of the movie franchise, which could elaborate on the world and secrets surrounding Chandra and his companions. Meanwhile, for non-Keralites, who are not very familiar with 'Chaathan', here is what the folklore tells about the naughty being that doesn't really enjoy a good reputation with the public.

 

Who is ‘Chaathan’?

 

Lord Shiva was once enthralled by a sweet female voice coming from the woods. He learnt it belonged to a beautiful subaltern woman named Koolivaka. Mesmerised by her beauty, Shiva desired to be with her. Realising his intention, Koolivaka was scared and prayed to her favourite deity, Goddess Parvati — the almighty God’s better half. Understanding her plight, Parvati appeared before Koolivaka and explained that this was her destined fate. She reassured Koolivaka that everything was going to be all right and asked her to return home.

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Parvati then disguised herself as Koolivaka and went to Shiva and united with him, resulting in the birth of 316 children who were collectively called 'Chathans'. (The eldest among them was Karikuttichathan. Among the siblings, many were good while others were mischievous. The evil goblin that we see in 'Bhramayugam' could be one of these goblins.) For their protection, the oldest Karikuttichathan was given a bull, while the youngest got a buffalo. Parvati entrusted both children to Koolivaka’s care, and they grew up under her guardianship.

 

Shiva and Parvati had blessed these children with various divine powers and the good 'Chathans' performed many miracles to help their community in different ways. Riding on their vehicles—the bull and the buffalo—they roamed the forest while chanting hymns and playing drums. Staff was their weapon of choice as per the folklore. 

 

 

 

When the community got together to celebrate the youngest Chathan's seventh birthday, Sage Narada paid the children a visit. He took the opportunity to reveal to them who their real parents were and advised them to take a pilgrimage to Mount Kailasa to seek their blessings.

 

On learning the truth, the two brothers went to Kailasa but were stopped at the gates by Nandikesha—Lord Shiva’s divine bull and trusted lieutenant. The younger goblin, who had shapeshifting powers, took the form of Lord Vishnu to trick Nandi and reached Shiva and Parvati, seeking their blessings. Overjoyed, Lord Shiva named him "Vishnumaya" for adopting Vishnu’s form using 'Maya' (illusion). Shiva also taught the Chathans all kinds of martial arts and revealed the secret to defeating the demon Jalandhara, who had conquered the three worlds. The goblins challenged the mighty demon to battle and transformed into Lord Vishnu’s indomitable Sudarshana Chakra to slay him. The delighted Devas asked Chathan to reside with them in heaven but he refused, saying he preferred to live among his tribe on earth.

 

The birth of brothers Tovino Thomas’s Michael speaks about in the movie

 

As mentioned above, Parvati gave birth to 316 children, including Karikuttichathan and Vishnumaya Kuttichathan. However, Tovino Thomas tells Vijay Menon's character that he has 399 siblings who look exactly like him. This takes us to another story related to the goblin in Hindu folklore. 

 

 

 

Koolivaka, Chathan's foster mother, was once desired by a demon named Bhrigasura. To protect her, Chathan and Karikuttichathan took on Bhrigasura and his army. During the battle, Chathan's finger was slit. The blood that fell to the ground from the wound gave birth to 400 more goblins. When Bhrigasura fired Brahmastras at them, ten of them made the supreme sacrifice by swallowing the incoming weapons. The remaining 390 defeated the demon’s army, using their staffs (kuruvadi) to kill Bhrigasura.

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