Premalu, the highly acclaimed Malayalam romantic comedy featuring Naslen K Gafoor and Mamitha Baiju in the lead roles, enjoyed a remarkable run in theaters and emerged as the second highest-grossing Malayalam film of 2024. It is now available on OTT platforms as an early Vishu treat. Directed by Girish AD, the film can be streamed on Disney+ Hotstar in its original Malayalam version and with Hindi and Tamil audio options. The Telugu version is accessible on Aha Video. Interestingly, there is no Kannada version of the film. In contrast to other movies like 12th Fail and Hanu-Man, which had dubbed versions released later on OTT platforms, there has yet to be an update on a dubbed version of Premalu.
Kannada viewers, who have been eagerly anticipating the film’s release on OTT platforms, were left disheartened when they discovered that there would be no audio available in their local language. Several individuals expressed their disappointment on social media, reaching out to Disney+ Hotstar to inquire about the timeline for the availability of Kannada audio. Additionally, some individuals urged JioCinema to acquire the rights for this particular film version. Kannada viewers have long wanted content from other languages to be available in Kannada audio. While some major titles receive Kannada dubbed versions for theatrical releases, the number of screens allocated for these shows remains disappointing. It is important to note that catering to the Kannada-speaking audience only sometimes guarantees high attendance. However, Adipurush is a notable exception, as it has performed exceptionally well in its Kannada dubbed version.
Premalu, on the other hand, resonated with viewers due to its storyline, which revolves around Sachin (Naslen), a young and directionless individual who becomes infatuated with Reenu (Mamitha), someone who is considered out of his league. The delightful moments depicting Sachin’s attempts to muster the courage to win her affection were the key to Premalu’s triumph. Additionally, the audience appreciated the seamless integration of Hyderabad as the backdrop, comparing it to how Bangalore Days showcased Bengaluru’s essence.
