“You could have said that other line too, for a little extra punch? That I would get a better girl than you,” a “heartbroken” Sachin (Naslen) tells Reenu (Mamitha Baiju) when she rejects his romantic proposal, to earn some sympathy and work his way up through that. Not skipping a beat, Reenu confidently responds, “I highly doubt that. Cos I regard myself quite highly,” indicating a positive shift in the perception of romance and the representation of women, both on and off-screen.
Girish AD’s third directorial venture Premalu, starring Naslen and Mamitha Baiju in the lead roles, is a romantic comedy set, not in Bengaluru (being very specific here since it is indeed a relief, considering the abundance of Malayalam movies set there) but, in Hyderabad.
The film follows Sachin, an average youngster who has just come to terms with the realities of adulthood and is striving to relocate to the UK to rebuild his life after major academic setbacks, and Reenu, a newcomer in the tech industry who has recently arrived in Hyderabad for her first job at a big firm. After Sachin’s visa application is rejected, he and his friend Amal (Sangeeth Prathap) head to Hyderabad for GATE coaching while awaiting another opportunity to move to the UK. Just like many romantic films, Sachin and Reenu meet for the first time at a wedding and he immediately develops feelings for her. However, Reenu’s firm ideals about life and her desired partner make Sachin’s journey to win her heart tough. Complicating matters further is the presence of Reenu’s work “bestie” Aadhi (Shyam Mohan), who harbours a secret affection for her. Whether they will ultimately end up together forms the crux of Premalu.
In contrast to Karthik (Madhavan), who delivers the line “I am not in love with you. I don’t want you to be with me; nor do I find you attractive. But I am scared that these might come true,” to impress Shakthi (Shalini) in Alai Payuthey (2000), Sachin refrains from such attempts. Probably because he wishes to avoid making a fool of himself or simply because he is not afraid these notions might materialise, as they already have. Unlike many films that slip in heartening romantic moments every now and then to touch viewers, Premalu opts for a different approach and it progresses as the central characters’ lives and relationships do, through very natural and organic moments that are very much relatable.
Watch Premalu trailer here:
Similar to Girish’s first two films, Thanneer Mathan Dinangal (2019) and Super Sharanya (2022), Premalu effectively employs situational and observational comedy. Yet, Girish ensures that Premalu stands apart from his previous works. The humour, drawn from everyday conversations and moments, is fresh and never fails to elicit genuine laughter. Particularly, the dynamic between Sachin and Amal resonates, reminiscent of that one friend we all have who has been there through our highs, lows and stupid moments. The interactions between Sachin and Reenu, on the other hand, are deliberately devoid of overt romanticism, aligning seamlessly with the overall atmosphere and mood of the film.
A notable strength of Premalu, penned by director Girish along with Kiran Josey, distinguishing it from other romantic movies, especially the recent Malayalam ones, is the way it has treated Reenu. She is not just the love interest, nor is she the manic pixie dream girl (MPDG), brimming with irritating cuteness. She is independent, individualistic, smart, decisive and adept at discerning genuineness. Though she is not confused, Reenu doesn’t just plunge into situations without proper clarity. Even when Aadhi attempts to “be the man and protect her,” Reenu asserts her independence succinctly. Consequently, she doesn’t hastily “fall” for Sachin, nor does she reciprocate his feelings simply based on his sadness. Her realisation of affection for Sachin unfolds gradually and she confesses it without unnecessary drama.
Nevertheless, the number of men-children in Malayalam cinema is on the rise and Sachin is undoubtedly a new addition to this category. However, what sets him apart from his peers is his sincere effort to become a better version of himself. However, the movie doesn’t adequately show how a woman like Reenu, who has made a life and career for herself, comes to have feelings for Sachin, as the portrayal primarily revolves around him simply making her laugh, which appears insufficient given her character’s depth.
In addition to its well-crafted and captivating writing, the performances in Premalu elevate the film further. Mamitha Baiju effortlessly embodies her role as Reenu, bringing authenticity and depth as if she’s lived the character’s life. She refrains from adding unnecessary embellishments to make Reenu seem more endearing or affectionate, maintaining the character’s integrity even during emotional moments. Naslen, at the same time, skillfully navigates Sachin’s life journey, portraying each emotion with care, not overdoing anything, ensuring a believable performance. It is also refreshing to see young male actors like Naslen avoiding the pressure to take up male chauvinistic roles and movies that celebrate it to assert their masculinity simply because that is the norm. Mamitha and Naslen’s on-screen chemistry too is heartwarming, leaving viewers wanting more.
Shyam Mohan impresses as Aadhi, embodying the deceptive nature of a wolf disguised as a caring and loving goat. He convincingly portrays the textbook creep who hides his true intentions, masquerading as a concerned elder brother, and often makes lame and offensive “jokes” followed by a “JK (just kidding)” in the workplace. Shyam’s portrayal resonates with viewers as we all recognise someone like Aadhi, and the actor skillfully captures the character’s nuances and motives. Sangeeth Prathap too delivers an outstanding performance, adding an additional layer of charm and humour to the already witty dialogues with his delivery. Akhila Bhargavan, Meenakshi Raveendran and Althaf Salim also shine in their roles, particularly in the comedic moments. Mathew Thomas, who makes a cameo appearance, also succeeds in evoking laughter.
Girish AD deserves commendation for seamlessly incorporating the city of Hyderabad into the narrative, adding depth to the story without overshadowing it. The blend of culture and aesthetics of the City of Pearls, along with occasional glimpses into the neighbouring state of Andhra Pradesh, enhances the overall experience. Ajmal Sabu’s cinematography and Akash Joseph Varghese’s editing contribute to the film’s visual appeal.
Special mention goes to Vishnu Vijay’s music and songs, which perfectly complement the movie’s atmosphere, adding to its engaging quality throughout its runtime of over 150 minutes.
Premalu movie cast: Naslen, Mamitha Baiju, Shyam Mohan, Sangeeth Prathap, Althaf Salim
Premalu movie director: Girish AD
Premalu movie rating: 3.5 stars
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