Premam Review, Premam Movie Review

Telugu360 rating 3.5/5

Malayalam Premam will remain as one of the finest and iconic feel good romantic entertainers of South till date. The emotional connect and the nostalgic moments in the coming-of-age-love-story have cut across the younger audience very well. Now, the Telugu version of Premam is all set to produce an encore with some sensible changes in the film’s plot. Helmed by talented director Chandoo Mondeti, the rom-com features Naga Chaitanya, Shruthi Haasan in the lead roles.

The film is carrying a lot of expectations among the audience and the unit has ensured that the Telugu version will be on par with the former version. The good looking posters and the impressive trailers have created a huge anticipation in trade circles and audience. The advance booking are very promising and Premam is going to open on a strong note in all areas. Will the Telugu version match the high expectations? Here is detailed review on the film.

Story :
Love stories – where would our film industry be if not for this genre. ‘Premam’ is yet another love story tugging your heartstrings, you alone can decide if it’s the fleeting kiss on a cheek or it makes you reminiscence the love story in your life (or may be inspire you to create a new love story!). ‘Premam’ takes you through Vikram’s journey of love as he cherishes his crush on Suma, falls in head over heels love with Sitara and finally finds his life partner in Sindhu.

Analysis:

Clearly, ‘Premam’ is inspired from ‘Naa Autograph’ in trying to pull together the protagonist’s romantic adventures. What makes it different from the serious and realistic ‘Na Autograph’, is the lighter vein adopted in narrating the story.We would like to offer our analysis from two perspectives, one each for the audiences who watched the original Malayalam version and who did not. However, be assured that the Telugu version will be liked regardless of which group you fall into.

If you did not watch the original version in Malayalam – please skip to the next paragraph. The Malayalam version had Nivin Pauly play the role of protagonist (George), whereas the Telugu version had Naga Chaitanya play the role of Vikram. Nivin was extremely good in his role as an engineering student and did OK in the younger and the older versions. Naga Chaitanya’s urbane looks make him better suited for the older(urbane) role, perhaps not so much for the younger versions. Anupama Parameswaran and Madonna Sebastian reprise their roles in the Telugu version as Suma and Sindhu. Shruti Hassan as Sitara, replaced Sai Pallavi who played ‘Malar’ in the Malayalam version .

We see Naga Chaitanya, with his chocolate boy looks, slip in with ease into the role of a teenager infatuated with the school beauty Suma. Not a serious thread, but something that most of us can relate to. Fast forward five years into college years, where the beautiful, half Marathi-half Tamil, lecturer Sitara captures Vikram’s heart. A fun love story albeit with a very cinematic parting is presented. We next see Vikram, older by 11 years, as a successful entrepreneur and chef with clear goals in his life. At this point Sindu walks into his life and Vikram takes the decision with both his heart and brain guiding him.

Remaking super hits is a big challenge. With an above average first half and good second half, Director Chandoo Mondeti definitely delivered on Premam. The comedy thread with Narra Srinivas and Brahmaji as the college lecturers was well executed. Comedian Srinivasa Reddy brings in some laughs in the climax.

Performances:

Naga Chaitanya has come up with a surprisingly good performance in this movie. It is not an easy task recreate oneself into three differently aged versions of the same character. Chay’s improved performance and efforts shows as he succeeded at this task.

Beautiful Shruti Hassan looking graceful in the sarees as Sitara, was apt for the role. Her performance reinforced the good call to cast her as the lecturer. Anupama and Madonna are ok. Prudhvi’s role as Suma’s father appeared to be trimmed in editing or maybe he was just under-utilized.

Songs:
‘Evvare Evvare …’ song was visually attractive while the uber stylish ‘Bang Bang Blast…’ had Chay in classy outfits with befitting attitude. ‘Yeh machi…’ song showing Sitara training Vikram will connect with the youth and the mass audience. Rest of songs are OK and blend well with the flow.

Positives:
-Vikram – Sitara thread shows good on-screen chemistry between Naga Chaitanya and Shruti Hassan
-Some nostalgic moments
-Editing and cinematography
-Right dose of entertaining comedy
-Song variety
-Crisp run time and zero boring moments
-Background Score
-Cameo appearances by Venkatesh, Nagarjuna (a definite plus to any movie!!!)

Negatives:
-Light on heartfelt emotions
-Parting with each heroine is too cinematic

Verdict:

Premam is a feel good love story told in entertaining fashion. Had the emotional side worked out better, this movie would have turned out as a cult classic. Loaded with ample commercial and fan elements, Premam will be a winner at Box Office for the Dussehra season.

Telugu360 rating 3.5/5

Release Date : October 07, 2016
Director : Chandoo Mondeti
Music director: Gopi Sunder, Rajesh Murugesan
Producers: Sitara Entertainments
Cinematography : Karthik Ghattamaneni
Starring : Naga Chaitanya, Shruti Haasan, Madonna Sebastian, Anupama Parameswaran