Premalu Wins Big at the Kerala State Film Awards:
Honestly, was anyone really surprised when Premalu walked away with the award for Best Film with Popular Appeal and Aesthetic Value at the 55th Kerala State Film Awards? Not really. If there’s one movie that completely owned 2024 — at the box office, online, and in casual chai shop chatter — it’s Premalu.
A film that just clicked with everyone
From the moment the trailer dropped, Premalu had “fun” written all over it. Girish A. D. managed to capture that perfect balance of youth, humor, and heart that feels so authentic to this generation. And then there’s the chemistry between Naslen and Mamitha Baiju — so effortless and genuine that you almost forget you’re watching characters on screen.
Set against the vibrant backdrop of Hyderabad, the film follows a bunch of Malayalis trying to figure out love, life, and maybe a visa or two. It’s cheeky, relatable, and light on its feet — a reminder that Malayalam cinema doesn’t always have to be brooding to be brilliant.
And let’s not forget: Premalu was a massive hit. It crossed ₹50 crore in Kerala, pulled in crowds outside the state, and basically had everyone — from college kids to families — rewatching it for the laughs and the feels.
Why this award matters
Now, this specific award — “Popular Appeal and Aesthetic Value” — isn’t just about who made the most money. It’s the jury’s way of saying, “Hey, you made something that people loved, but you also made it beautifully.” And Premalu fits that description perfectly.
It’s commercial, sure, but it’s not shallow. The humor lands, the characters feel alive, and even in its lightest moments, you sense the care that went into every frame. It’s rare to see a film that satisfies both the critics and the crowd — Premalu pulled that off with style.
What worked so well
The cast: Naslen was born to play Prem, and Mamitha Baiju absolutely owned her role. Their timing, their awkward chemistry — spot on.
The writing: Sharp, witty, and packed with one-liners that still make their way into Instagram captions.
The vibe: It’s colorful, it’s urban, but it still has that Malayali soul — like a filter coffee in a Starbucks cup.
The music and visuals: Everything feels polished without losing its charm. The songs linger long after the credits roll.
And okay, maybe a few tiny flaws
If we’re being honest, the story doesn’t exactly reinvent the rom-com wheel. You know where it’s headed. But it doesn’t really matter — it’s the how that makes it so good. The pacing, the humor, the little emotional beats — all of it just works.
Streaming and what’s next
If you somehow missed it in theatres, good news: Premalu is now streaming on Disney+ Hotstar. And honestly, it’s just as delightful on a lazy weekend night at home.
This win also feels like a sign of where Malayalam cinema is headed — more space for fun, feel-good stories that still take their craft seriously. The new wave of filmmakers is proving that lighthearted doesn’t mean lightweight.
Final thoughts
Premalu winning at the Kerala State Awards just feels right. It’s one of those rare films that made everyone happy — the audience, the critics, and now the jury too.
It’s charming, youthful, and brimming with heart. And beyond all the numbers and trophies, that’s what makes it special.
If you haven’t seen it yet, grab some snacks, fire up Disney+ Hotstar, and get ready to fall in love — not just with the characters, but with how simple, funny, and beautifully human Premalu is.
