Few films have shaped a generation the way Premam did. In this Premam review, we revisit Alphonse Puthren’s 2015 romance — the film that made Nivin Pauly a superstar, introduced Sai Pallavi as Malar teacher, sparked a black-shirt-and-mundu fashion trend and became a cult favourite in Kerala and Tamil Nadu alike.
More than a decade later, does it still work? Absolutely. It remains one of the most joyful films about love and growing up in Indian cinema.
Quick Verdict
- Rating: 4.5/5
- Best for: anyone who has ever had a first crush.
- Highlights: Nivin Pauly, Sai Pallavi’s debut, Rajesh Murugesan’s music, the friendship comedy.
- Minor flaw: the final segment feels rushed compared with the first two.
Table of Contents
Premam: Movie Details
| Director, writer, editor | Alphonse Puthren |
|---|---|
| Cast | Nivin Pauly, Sai Pallavi, Madonna Sebastian, Anupama Parameswaran, Sharafudheen, Krishna Shankar, Shabareesh Varma, Soubin Shahir, Vinay Forrt |
| Music | Rajesh Murugesan |
| Producer | Anwar Rasheed |
| Release date | 29 May 2015 |
Story (No Spoilers)
The film follows George David (Nivin Pauly) through three stages of his life. As a schoolboy in Aluva, he falls for Mary (Anupama Parameswaran), the town’s most admired girl. As a rebellious college student, he is unexpectedly drawn to Malar (Sai Pallavi), a guest lecturer. Years later, as a young café owner, he meets Celine (Madonna Sebastian). Through it all, his loyal friends — especially Shambhu (Shabareesh Varma) and Koya (Krishna Shankar) — stay by his side.
It is less a plot-driven film than a series of memories, each with its own mood, humour and heartbreak.
Performances
Nivin Pauly is perfect as George, growing from an awkward teenager to an angry young man to a mature adult. His charm makes the film. Sai Pallavi, in her debut lead role, created an instant icon with Malar — natural, warm and graceful. Anupama Parameswaran and Madonna Sebastian, also debuting, are memorable in their segments.
The supporting cast is a comedy goldmine. Sharafudheen as the hapless lecturer Girirajan Kozhi became a meme legend, and Soubin Shahir and Vinay Forrt add plenty of laughs as teachers.
Music and Style
Rajesh Murugesan’s songs — “Malare”, “Aluva Puzha” and “Scene Contra” — became chartbusters and remain hugely popular. Alphonse Puthren, who also edited the film, uses playful cutting, inside jokes and pop-culture references that give the film a unique rhythm. The cinematography captures small-town Kerala with nostalgic warmth.
Direction, Editing and Themes
Alphonse Puthren structures the film like a photo album. Each chapter has its own colour palette, its own musical mood and its own version of George. The schoolboy segment is bright and clumsy, the college segment is loud and rebellious, and the final chapter is calmer and more reflective. Because the director also cut the film, the comic timing feels precise — many jokes land through a sudden cut or a held reaction shot rather than through dialogue.
The central theme is simple but honest: people change, and the way we love changes with us. George never becomes a perfect hero. He sulks, he fights, he misreads situations. The film lets him be flawed, which is why audiences recognised themselves in him.
Friendship is the second great theme. Girls come and go from George’s life, but Shambhu and Koya stay. Their banter gives the story its spine and much of its humour, and the film quietly suggests that friends are often the longest love story of all.
The famous ambiguity
One plot thread in the college segment is deliberately left open, and viewers have debated it online ever since release. We will not spoil it here, but it is worth watching closely. For many, it adds to the wistful quality of first love.
Premam Review: Cultural Impact
Premam became a phenomenon. College students across Kerala copied George’s black shirt and mundu, theatres in Tamil Nadu ran the film for months, and Sai Pallavi became a star across South India. The film was later remade in Telugu as Premam (2016) with Naga Chaitanya. Its release was also marred by a leak of a censor copy online, which triggered a major debate about piracy in the Malayalam industry. Despite the leak, the film was a massive commercial success.
It also cemented the new generation’s place in Malayalam cinema. Alongside films like Bangalore Days and Ohm Shanthi Oshaana, it showed that youthful, music-driven stories could become blockbusters. See our list of the best Malayalam romantic movies and our Nivin Pauly movies guide.
How It Compares With Similar Malayalam Films
If you enjoy this film, you will likely enjoy other youth-driven Malayalam romances and comedies. Here is a quick comparison to help you pick your next watch.
| Film | Year | Shared quality |
|---|---|---|
| Bangalore Days | 2014 | Ensemble friendships, big-city dreams |
| Ohm Shanthi Oshaana | 2014 | Light romance told from a fresh point of view |
| Premalu | 2024 | Breezy romantic comedy with strong friend characters |
| Hridayam | 2022 | A hero’s life told across college and adulthood |
Of these, Hridayam is the closest in structure, following its lead from campus life into his later years. For a modern romcom, read our Premalu review.
Who Should Watch It
- First-time viewers of Malayalam cinema: it is an easy, joyful entry point with universal emotions.
- Fans of slice-of-life stories: the film is built on small moments rather than big twists.
- Music lovers: the soundtrack works on its own as a playlist.
- Families: there is some college-style rowdiness and fighting, but nothing heavy; it suits teenagers and adults.
Viewing tips
Watch with good subtitles, because much of the comedy comes from quick wordplay and local slang. Finally, keep the volume up for the songs — they are woven into the storytelling rather than placed as breaks.
Rating Breakdown
| Aspect | Score |
|---|---|
| Story | 4/5 |
| Performances | 4.5/5 |
| Music | 5/5 |
| Humour | 4.5/5 |
| Rewatch value | 5/5 |
What works and what doesn’t
- Works: the nostalgia, the friendship, the songs, and Sai Pallavi’s unforgettable Malar.
- Doesn’t: the third segment, with Celine, feels hurried and less developed.
Final Verdict
To conclude this Premam review: it is a joyful, funny and bittersweet film that captures what it feels like to fall in love at every stage of life. It is a true modern classic.
Cinemas Diary Rating: 4.5/5
Frequently Asked Questions
Who plays Malar in Premam?
Sai Pallavi plays Malar, a role that made her a star.
Who composed the music for Premam?
Rajesh Murugesan composed the songs and score.
Was Premam remade?
Yes, it was remade in Telugu in 2016 with Naga Chaitanya.
Who directed Premam?
Alphonse Puthren wrote, directed and edited the film. His earlier feature was Neram (2013), also starring Nivin Pauly.
How many love stories are there in Premam?
Three — one each in George’s school years, college years and adult life.
Is Premam suitable for families?
Mostly yes. It has some campus fights and mild language but no explicit content.
Is Premam worth watching today?
Yes. Our Premam review rates it 4.5/5, and it remains just as enjoyable.
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