Months before the Hindi adaptation of "Premalu" reaches theatres, the Malayalam hit has seemingly disappeared from its primary OTT home. "Premalu", which starred Naslen and Mamitha Baiju, is no longer available on JioHotstar, leaving fans disappointed as "Prem Keetanu" gears up for its October release.
The timing has particularly caught viewers’ attention. A day after the teaser of "Prem Keetanu" was unveiled, fans of the Malayalam film realised that the original was no longer available on JioHotstar. Several took to social media to express their frustration, arguing that the original should remain accessible even as its Hindi adaptation heads to theatres.
"Premalu" was earlier available on JioHotstar in Malayalam, Tamil and Hindi. Its Telugu-dubbed version continues to stream on Aha.
Why are fans upset?
The reported removal comes as "Prem Keetanu" begins its promotional campaign. The minute-long teaser, released on Monday, immediately led viewers to identify the film as a remake of "Premalu". However, its tone and some changes to the story left others questioning how closely the Hindi version follows the original.
Directed by Apoorv Singh Karki (known for "TVF Aspirants" and "Aam Aadmi Family"), "Prem Keetanu" stars Veer Pahariya, Aafiya Sayed, Aparshakti Khurana, Rakesh Bedi and Nikhil Vijay. While it follows the basic beats of "Premalu", the protagonists seem to meet in college rather than later in life.
Aafiya Sayed is making her Hindi film debut with the film. The official Hindi remake rights were acquired for the project, which is produced by Gaurav Verma under Avanika Films in association with Bhavana Studios, the production house behind "Premalu". Deepak Kingrani has written the screenplay, with Arjun Kukreti as cinematographer and Ritesh Soni as editor.
The 'Premalu' phenomenon
Directed by Girish AD, "Premalu" became one of Malayalam cinema’s biggest blockbusters of 2024. Made on a reported budget of around Rs 3 crore, the romantic comedy reportedly earned approximately Rs 136.25 crore worldwide and was among the Malayalam films to enter the Rs 100-crore club.
The film follows young Malayalis who find friendship and love after moving to Hyderabad for work. Alongside Naslen and Mamitha Baiju, it features Sangeeth Prathap, Akhila Bhargavan, Shyam Mohan, Meenakshi Raveendran, Mathew Thomas and Althaf Salim.
A sequel to "Premalu" was announced but has since been delayed. Meanwhile, Girish AD and Mamitha Baiju have reunited for "Bethlehem Kudumba Unit", which also stars Nivin Pauly and is scheduled to release on August 21.
"Prem Keetanu" is scheduled for a worldwide theatrical release on October 2, 2026.
