Premam

Premam is an Indian Malayalam-language romantic drama film released in 2015, directed by Alphonse Puthren. The film was produced by Anwar Rasheed for Anwar Rasheed Entertainment while being distributed by Central Pictures. As an exceptionally well-crafted movie, Premam presents an emotional, intimate, and sometimes playful exposition of romance, courtship, and the significant transformations that love can instigate in human life.

The film introduces us to George David, an intriguing protagonist portrayed by the charismatic Nivin Pauly. George’s character is developed meticulously as we follow him through three different stages of his life, capturing his journey from a carefree teen to an adult grappling with the realities of life, bearing witness to the evolution and effects of his romantic relationships during these phases.

The first segment of the film presents George as an easygoing teenager embarking upon his first love adventure in his higher secondary school. We see him and his band of schoolmates experiencing the quintessential cheeky elements of teenage life, encapsulating all the joy, excitement, and disappointments associated with young love and friendship.

The narrative then transitions into George’s college days, with an evolved character who’s more mature, yet still searching for love. It is here where he crosses paths with Malar, a spirited young guest lecturer, played by Sai Pallavi. This segment is particularly embedded with melodious dance numbers and heart-throbbing music, directed by the talented Rajesh Murugesan. The character of Malar is very well developed, evoking empathy and relatability as her relationship with George unfolds.

The audience is later treated to the last phase of George’s life where he has now metamorphosed into a successful entrepreneur, yet still carrying the essence of his past romances, the memories of which remain bittersweet. This phase introduces us to the calm and composed Celine, beautifully portrayed by Madonna Sebastian, whose presence is delicately intertwined with the past.

The supporting cast, including Shabareesh Varma and Krishna Shankar, lend their own charm to the narrative, keeping the storyline engaging and entertaining. The characterization of each person in the narrative is done very well, making them realistic and relatable to audiences. Sporting well-etched and well-enacted roles, they lend more life to the movie while successfully sustaining stirring undercurrents of humor.

Premam is filled with delightful music that merges beautifully with the narrative. The excellent soundtrack scored by Rajesh Murugesan, complemented by the mesmerizing cinematography by Anand C. Chandran, elevates the cinematic experience. The movie’s nostalgic undertones are audibly present in its soulful melody and visually striking in the lush, scenic views of Kerala.

Under Alphonse Puthren’s skillful direction, the film flows seamlessly between the serene past and tangible present, creating an immersive and nostalgic experience for viewers. Not just a mere romantic movie, Premam is an exploration of human emotions, relationships, love, and its aftermath, all woven delicately into the life of its protagonist.

Puthren’s direction brings nuance to the screenplay, amplifying the emotional depth of the story without resorting to melodrama. He successfully bridges the gap between commercial and artistic cinema, making Premam both box-office friendly and critically acclaimed.

A high point of the film is the potent performance by Nivin Pauly, whose acting prowess manifests impressively in various shades of George’s character. Pauly brings out the vulnerability, enthusiasm, and emotional maturity needed to do justice to his character’s development through the stages of life.

In conclusion, Premam is a film that beautifully personifies the essence of love, companionship, and life's inevitable changes. A diverse mix of youthful romance, comedy, heartbreak, and hopefulness, it delves into the multiple facets of human emotion. A memorable viewing experience for any cinema lover, Premam is a testament to the strength of good storytelling and the irresistible charm of sincere filmmaking.