Renu is an IT professional working in a corporate in Hyderabad city. She is responsible, independent, has set clear goals in life and does not hold back from expressing her opinions in the office or in life. The only goal in life is to be away from parents. He is lazy and does not work towards any particular goals. The film revolves around the strong conflict between these two characters and their feelings, friends and life.
I wondered why the movie was so popular. Made on a low budget without superstars, the film also has special effects. The story revolves around a handful of characters and their emotions, yet the film appeals to millions. The humor was good, but more so the realistic portrayal of the characters which helped them to be relatable.
Authentic characterization of men in an Indian film with their eccentricities, emotions, insecurities, jealousies, heartbreaks and desires. These are the people we see around us as close friends, close friends' husbands (who are open about their husbands) and in our own families. These were the men we relate to 100% in our society. An Indian movie that doesn't show men as protectors/providers/superheroes/ or highly desirable bachelors. A film where their egotism and machoism are not celebrated.
Strong, responsible, empathetic and responsible nature of financially independent leading lady. 90% of my girlfriends and colleagues belong to this category, yet their representation in Indian cinema is minimal or non-existent. These are the women we see around us in today's educated urban societies. We can relate to them in all areas. The film also has queer female characters.
A setting where different characteristics, no gender stereotyping, good humor and no feeding of societal norms and interests. When I left the movie theater, I felt like I left behind an authentic, real, and fun group of friends.
The script, penned by Girish and Kiran Josi, manages not to have a dull moment and they succeed to a large extent, thanks in no small part to the sparkling chemistry between Sachin and Reenu. Likewise between Sachin and his brooding sidekick Amal Davis (Sangeet Pratap), the film is a staple in every situational humor the film constantly throws up.
At 156 minutes, Premalu is longer than the average movie these days, but it justifies that length with its engaging narrative, even though we are sure how everything will turn out in the end. The feverish pace of the beginning never slows down, the scenes are constantly changing rhythmically, and Vishnu Vijay's music complements it all. Most of the young actors like Naslen and Mamita fit into their roles organically.
