Premam

Observations from multiple big-screen viewings, most of those without English sub-titles (important-enough factor, since I do not understand the nuances of the Malayalam language, the way a native speaker would).

Had no idea about this when it released, other than the fact that it was a reunion of sorts for most of the talent in front of, and behind, 'Neram', which was okey-dokey, to say the best. Had no expectations going in, other than the promise of good music and visuals that the trailer promised.

Well, the first viewing kinda blew my mind away, since I never thought that being short on content, from a high level perspective (Infatuated boys love, lose and love again, then lose again, and then almost love again - to put it mildly) could afford so many opportunities for some amazing writing, acting, visuals and scores. Every person in charge of his/her department absolutely excels, and in terms of style, this hearkens back to 'Iyobinte Pusthakam', regardless of the differing mileux and genres of both works. I've always been a proponent of content being king, but this one kinda screams for execution/style over all else, and I've bought into that stream of thought firmly after seeing how well this one has been brought to life.

Among its many strengths, casting is key. With one actor having to evolve over the 3 phases of life that the movie focuses on, Nivin Pauly, and the actors playing his friends, need to look, sound and behave in an age-appropriate way in each of those phases, while being consistent with their age and state of mind within those. And boy do they nail it, with the 3 main leads, and assorted characters around them having their own individual criss-crossing arcs across those phases. Another one of its main strengths are all of the running jokes/gags (one of which is to do with spelling/grammar/structural mistakes in a letter professing teen love, that loops all the way until the end) across each of those phases, that is not left hanging at any time, and one of the main reasons for multiple viewings, where one can marvel at the effort that has been made across this work of art. The background score is one of the strongest ever committed to celluloid, hearkening back to last year's superb 'Ohm Shanthi Ohshaana' (trivia: the helmer on that one, Jude Anthany Joseph, makes a funny cameo in this one) being as strong in its scoring department. Shaan Rahman is not missed, with this one having Rajesh Murugesan doing the honors, as good as he was in Anthony Putheran's earlier 'Neram' (pun fully intended, if you understand the language). Technically speaking, though it might seem minor, this movie integrates CG almost seamlessly, and this generation's film-makers, especially the ones who do not place any weight or value on that aspect, and others, need to take a page out of this movie, and see how they can 'up' their overall game.

Nivin Pauly has always been good, subtly taking over the characters he (literally/figuratively) inhabits in each of his flicks - '1983', 'Ohm Shanthi Ohshaana', 'Oru Vadakkan Selfie', 'Neram' and even 'Ivide', in which, I thought, his character got short shrift.

In my first viewing of this though, I wasn't all gung-ho about all aspects of this flick as I am being now, with my criticisms spanning (my perceived, at the time) lack of new content and how the leads' family lives are kept to background/ignored altogether, even with strong casting on those supporting characters who are (unfairly, as I thought at the time) ignored (example: Renji Panicker, who plays Pauly's dad, who is fantastic in the 2 scenes he's in, but has nothing else to do). I don't feel as strongly about those aspects now, but thought I'd just put them out there.

All in all, this one makes for multiple great viewings, especially among those who consider themselves students of the craft. And yes, great for mainstream audiences as well, which kinda explains its box office, as well as cementing cult status.

Don't think otherwise I wrote a review for the film which got released 6 months back. What to do when I want to watch other language films, I need to wait for subs ;). That is where the delay. Anyhow here we go !

Premam film doesn't have a strong story line but I wasn't bored for a second. The way I got recommendations to watch Ustad Hotel, Bangalore Days & Neelakasam Pachadkal & Chuvannabhumi, likewise I got recommendations to watch Premam too. (Ofcourse I watched it with subs, manaki Hindi ye raadu sarigga.... inka malayalam aithey illileyoo..;) ) The way Malayalam Industry is making films now a days is spending very low budget and getting huge revenues. Actually Premam will come into that category.It's an emotional ride filled with good performances,extreme highs & lows and situational comedy and you travel with the characters throughout the story. Considering the scope of Malayalam industry this film has taken it to the next level actually. Overall it is a visually appealing chronicle of love with few blemishes.

First of all I watched the movie without any preconceptions and expectations as I thought it would be a simple love story as the name suggests, but in turn it came out to be an excellent entertainer. The movie is so captivating right from the beginning. It's a mixed bucket of our nostalgic childhood and the exact revelation of our modern day life. Each and every actor played complete justice to their roles through out the movie. It's another type of a feel excellent movie which pumps you to the core. And of course there are many surprise packages indeed. And Alphonse Puthren, you are an absolute genius! The way you directed the movie deserves great applause. The turnovers, the frames, the cuts were simply brilliant. The type of celebration this movie injects is pretty much awesome. Kudos to the cinematographer and music director of the movie. Exceptional cinematography and some killer music! Goosebumps are guaranteed especially during fight scenes Watch it with an open mind keeping logic away and enjoy to the maximum. This movie is a sheer entertainer.

Okay, we travelled some 35 kms to catch a Malayalam movie that too running without subtitles, which starts at midnight (11:50 pm) at Mayajaal and reached our room back in the morning 3:30. We were mad to do this, but we did it. We weren't disappointed, it was really worth it.

Premam, second movie from Alphonse Puthren who gave us a bilingual Neram, which really caught my eye and also introduced Nivin Pauly and Nazria to me. Premam is about Nivin's three stages of love. When he was in school, then during his final year of college and he was an adult. It was like Autograph, but this was even more fun.

Alphonse Puthren has given his best in his second movie. And, Nivin as usual he was fantastic and it was really a treat to watch him on screen. I thought Oru Vadakkan Selfie is going to be the best of his movie this year, but this one was even better.

First love was fun, where almost all the boys in her neighbourhood follows Mary when she leaves her tuition centre. And, she chooses someone else and Nivin ends up helping them in their love. This part was pictured in most beautiful locale. How green is Kerala, fantastic.

Second love was the best in the movie. It happens during his final year in college when he fell in love with a Tamil speaking guest lecturer Malar. She looks so lovely and her Kuthu dance was terrific that was literally stunning. If I have seen the title credits correctly, I think she's the one who choreographed the Rockankuthu song. Looking forward to see her in more films. And, there was another lecturer who loves Malar teacher one-sided. He was fun who even ask Nivin himself to help him and he teaches Mava sorry Java. Nivin's rugged look in this part suits him well and maintains that "gethu". And, this love ends in a tragic way.

The third and final part's love story comes with an unexpected twist. It may look bit too much, but you still got to love it. The director himself does a cameo in this part.

Music was really fantastic. Aluva and Malare songs were too good, especially Malare with Malar teacher. And, Scene Contra was a different love failure song. The interval looked forced as if just because it was mandatory like a strategic timeout in IPL when the team where going good. And, cinematography was rich and the director himself is the editor as well so that part was handled well.

All three ladies was beautiful, but we came out in love with Malar teacher. Nivin's two friends also come along with him throughout the movie and provide enough laughs. We got some 70% of the jokes, I wish they had released it in Tamil also like Neram or at least could have added subs, but never mind.

Easily the best romantic movie of this year so far. After OKK, this movie puts a smile on your face from the start until it ends and I loved this even more than OKK.

The movie's running length was big, but you never feel it. Premam was like a long ride on a rainy day in an empty road with Raja sir songs for company. You just wish the ride goes on and on.

My Rating - 5.0/5.0. Not to be missed.

This film doesn't have a strong story line but I wasn't bored for a second.I went to see this film coz of Alphonse Puthren(Neram) and also due to the fact that this was produced by Anwar Rasheed(Usthad Hotel,Bglr Days).

Unlike Oru Vadakan Selfie which was like 99% Entertainment and 1 % story.This is way better it's like 50-50.No humourless comedy,no unwanted songs.Maybe because Alphonse editing it felt like a carefully crafted piece of diamond.

Quick Review-

Story - 7\10 - Simple and fun

Songs - 9\10 - I personally liked Kalipu and Scene Contra

Direction\Cinematography - 9\10 - Perfect setting,shots.

Overall - 8\10 - One of the decent movies I have seen in Malayalam for a long time.