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A Decade of "Premam": The Malayalam Film That Redefined Romance
Updated on: 29 May, 2025 03:38 PM IST |Sneha Sunojkumar
How Alphonse Puthren`s Vision Became a Global Phenomenon
Ten years ago today, on May 29, 2015, a small Malayalam film named `Premam` quietly made its way into theaters, only to soon blossom into a cultural sensation that reshaped romantic cinema for an entire generation. Directed and edited by Alphonse Puthren, with Nivin Pauly in the lead role, this coming-of-age tale has not only endured the passage of time but continues to captivate audiences worldwide.
Upon its release, `Premam` earned widespread praise for its fresh narrative style, natural performances, mesmerizing soundtrack by Rajesh Murugesan, and Puthren’s distinctive filmmaking approach. The story traces the romantic journey of George (Nivin Pauly) across three pivotal stages of his life, from teenage crushes to adult love, showcasing his evolution from schoolboy to grown man.
The film’s influence was both instant and profound. It became a massive box office hit, earning over 73 crore globally despite its modest budget. Beyond its financial success, `Premam` achieved cult status, shaping fashion trends (like the iconic "Premam beard" and black shirt), inspiring countless fan tributes, and sparking conversations about love, friendship, and nostalgia. Songs like `Malare` and `Kaathirunnu Kaathirunnu` turned into timeless classics, deeply embedding themselves in pop culture.
`Premam` also introduced several rising stars who later became key figures in South Indian cinema. Sai Pallavi, in her breakthrough role as Malar, won hearts with her heartfelt performance, skyrocketing to fame overnight. Madonna Sebastian and Anupama Parameswaran also gained recognition for their memorable characters. The film’s portrayal of George’s friendships, brought to life by Shabareesh Varma, Krishna Sankar, and Siju Wilson, added humor and authenticity, making it even more relatable.
A decade later, `Premam` remains a gold standard for romantic storytelling, celebrated for its genuine depiction of youth and its lasting influence on Malayalam cinema. It demonstrated that a heartfelt, well-crafted love story, told with originality, could transcend language barriers and resonate universally. As fans mark its 10th anniversary, `Premam` stands as a timeless reminder of the enduring magic of cinema when love and storytelling intertwine perfectly.
Upon its release, `Premam` earned widespread praise for its fresh narrative style, natural performances, mesmerizing soundtrack by Rajesh Murugesan, and Puthren’s distinctive filmmaking approach. The story traces the romantic journey of George (Nivin Pauly) across three pivotal stages of his life, from teenage crushes to adult love, showcasing his evolution from schoolboy to grown man.
The film’s influence was both instant and profound. It became a massive box office hit, earning over 73 crore globally despite its modest budget. Beyond its financial success, `Premam` achieved cult status, shaping fashion trends (like the iconic "Premam beard" and black shirt), inspiring countless fan tributes, and sparking conversations about love, friendship, and nostalgia. Songs like `Malare` and `Kaathirunnu Kaathirunnu` turned into timeless classics, deeply embedding themselves in pop culture.
`Premam` also introduced several rising stars who later became key figures in South Indian cinema. Sai Pallavi, in her breakthrough role as Malar, won hearts with her heartfelt performance, skyrocketing to fame overnight. Madonna Sebastian and Anupama Parameswaran also gained recognition for their memorable characters. The film’s portrayal of George’s friendships, brought to life by Shabareesh Varma, Krishna Sankar, and Siju Wilson, added humor and authenticity, making it even more relatable.
A decade later, `Premam` remains a gold standard for romantic storytelling, celebrated for its genuine depiction of youth and its lasting influence on Malayalam cinema. It demonstrated that a heartfelt, well-crafted love story, told with originality, could transcend language barriers and resonate universally. As fans mark its 10th anniversary, `Premam` stands as a timeless reminder of the enduring magic of cinema when love and storytelling intertwine perfectly.
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