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.

Filled with simple jokes, emotional performances and situational comedy, it feels fresh and beautiful than any other recent sterile Malayalam movies. The second act with Malar is simply the best part of the movie and where all the "Premam" happens. Kudos to a mesmerizing performance by Sai Pallavi as Malar. Nivin Pauly is at his best, some of his scenes are jaw droppingly powerful. Anupama E Parameswaran and the rest of the cast does a great job too. It's an emotional ride with extreme highs and lows and you travel with the characters through their arc and the story is gracefully wound up. It's one of those films you never want to end, coz you're having such a great time following its story and characters. Cinematography is beautifully ambient, music is catchy, story is simple and Direction is superb. The love of Alphonse Puthren is evident in his Directing and editing. In short Premam is simply one of the best movies I've ever seen and you too must watch it!

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.

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.

I went for 'Premam' after witnessing the massive positive response that the movie received from the day of its release and naturally expectations were sky-high,which luckily didn't turn wrong as Alphonse Puthren could succeed in producing a delicious entertainer with originality in narration right from the word go.Made on a template that brims with inventiveness and unique stamp of the narrator,Premam is a good example of how intense belief that one has on himself can result in an alluring creation.

Premam presents three different phases in the love-life of Protagonist George with hope,despair,success,failure,re-invention and optimism all going hand-in-hand on the course of the narration.The screenplay written by Alphonse himself smartly utilizes genuine situational humor to ensure that the audience is glued to the seats till the end of the feature.

"Butterflies are mentally mental,so is love" unveils on the screen as the end credit starts to roll,a perfect way to end all the madness associated with love that the movie showcased in its running time of around 166 minutes ranging from simple infatuation to deep love and from budding romance to heart-break and finally tying knot with the 'one'.

The tempo of narration is somewhat slow or rather realistic,but never really tests the patience of the audience due to the emotional connect that the lead characters manages to develop and maintain with the viewers because of Alphonse's dexterity in presentation and the strong support of the whole technical and acting departments.

Nivin Pauly continues his winning streak,this time with a pinch of #Kalipp added to his usual romeo avatar.The actor has managed to pull off three different phases in George's life with ease and won the hearts yet again after his character "Umesh" in the recent release "Oru Vadakkan Selfie".All the female leads did their job pretty well with Sai Pallavi being the pick who made me fall in love with her instantly likable character 'Malar'.Madonna Sebastian was lovable with her realistic performance and unmatchable cuteness.Anupama Parameswaran did her part well even though she had less screen presence compared to other female leads.Vinay Fort and Saubin Shahir were hilarious.Alphonse Puthren,Renji Panicker and Jude Anthany Joseph made their cameos remarkable.

The score by Rajesh Murugesan was innovative and tailored for the storyline.Lyrics by Shabareesh Verma were refreshing.All the 7 songs and numerous song-bits used were situational and never harmed the pace of the narration."Malare" song in particular was brilliantly shot and the best part of the score.Cinematography by Anend C Chandran was good while the cuts by director himself was fine.

Overall,'Premam' is a delicious tale of love that has its heart laid at the right place.

Verdict::With Focused Direction,Well-Written Screenplay,Lovable Characters,Perfect Casting,Good Performances,Sound Technical Support & Refreshing Music Premam Is Undoubtedly The Best Entertainer To Comeout From Mollywood In Recent Times.Go For This Wholesome Entertainer & Enjoy All The Fun In Store.Love Is In The Air!