Premalu’s streaming on OTT, but where is the Kannada version, ask netizens
The hit Malayalam romantic comedy featuring Naslen and Mamitha Baiju, dropped on two platforms offering it in the original version, Tamil, Hindi and Telugu, but not Kannada
Apr 12, 2024
A still from Premalu
Premalu, the much-talked-about Malayalam romantic comedy starring Naslen K Gafoor and Mamitha Baiju in the lead, which had a phenomenal theatrical run, becoming the second highest grossing Malayalam film of 2024, is on OTT as an early Vishu presentation. The Girish AD directorial is available on Disney+ Hotstar in its Malayalam original version, as well as with Hindi and Tamil audio. The Telugu version is on aha. Interestingly, there is no Kannada version and unlike other films, like 12th Fail and Hanu-Man, which had dubbed versions ready that got a delayed OTT outing, with Premalu, there’s been no word on one such yet.
Premalu Review: Naslen’s Premalu is a decent romantic drama enhanced by its impromptu humour
Kannada audiences who have been eagerly waiting for the film to drop on OTT were left disappointed when it turned out there would be no local language audio after all. Some took to social media asking Disney+ Hotstar for a timeline on when Kannada audio would be available, while others urged JioCinema to pick up the rights for this version.
For quite a while, Kannada audiences have been vocal about providing content from other languages with Kannada audio. Theatrical releases of major titles do get Kannada dubbed versions, but the screen/show allotment remains abysmally low, given that serving in the language doesn’t always translate to footfalls. Adipurush has been one notable exception in recent times, doing reasonably well in the Kannada dubbed version.
Dubbing row: The Legend distributor blames exhibitors for lack of Kannada version in movie halls
Premalu, meanwhile, struck a chord with audiences for its subject, following Sachin (Naslen), a young and aimless guy who falls for Reenu (Mamitha), who’s way out of his league. The fun moments around Sachin trying to gather the courage to win her over was at the heart of Premalu’s success. Audiences also noted how well the location, Hyderabad, was incorporated into the narrative, stating that what Bangalore Days was for Bengaluru, Premalu is for Hyderabad.
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