Malayalam cinema’s blockbuster rom-com 'Premalu' sequel shelved!

The Malayalam film industry has steadily carved out a distinctive identity in Indian cinema, earning nationwide and global recognition for its grounded storytelling, cultural authenticity, and socially relevant narratives. 

Known for prioritising realism over spectacle, the industry has, in recent years, delivered a series of critically acclaimed and commercially successful films that have resonated far beyond Kerala.

Industry Hits

Movies such as Kumbalangi Nights, Jallikattu, Angamaly Diaries, Manjummel Boys, and Lokah have showcased the industry’s creative confidence and willingness to experiment. Adding to this impressive list was the romantic comedy Premalu, which emerged as one of the biggest success stories of 2024.

Made on a modest budget of approximately Rs 3 crore, Premalu turned into a massive box-office phenomenon, earning around Rs 104 crore worldwide. Released on February 9, 2024, the film received widespread critical acclaim for its engaging storyline, relatable humour, soulful music, and strong performances.

Also Read: Malayalam movie ‘Premalu’ beats Bollywood biggies to become biggest blockbuster of this year

Despite featuring relatively lesser-known actors Naslen K. Gafoor and Mamitha Baiju in the lead roles, the film struck a chord with audiences across age groups.

Disappointment Among Fans

The film’s success drew praise from across the Indian film fraternity, including acclaimed filmmaker SS Rajamouli, who publicly lauded its storytelling. Produced by actor Fahadh Faasil, Premalu was also dubbed and released in Telugu and Tamil due to overwhelming demand, further cementing its pan-Indian appeal.

Following the film’s unprecedented success, reports of a sequel, Premalu 2, generated significant excitement among fans. However, recent industry buzz suggests that the sequel has been shelved owing to undisclosed reasons. The development has reportedly left fans disappointed, especially given the high expectations surrounding the continuation of the story.

While there has been no official confirmation from the makers, the news marks a rare pause in an otherwise remarkable phase for Malayalam cinema, which continues to redefine success on its own terms.