Premam is a lovely trip through ’90s Kerala

Premam, the Nivin Pauly starrer, has been making waves everywhere. I would’ve written a review for this movie much earlier, only if I could buy a ticket sooner. As things happened, I got booked out thrice before finally managing to grab a ticket today.

From the very outset, it is the story of a 1990s kid, who grew up in Kerala, told through the three defining love affairs he had. It shows how it changed him for the better.

It’s choke-filled with references to the ’90s and holds meaning to anyone who grew up in the South Indian state during that period. The frames are simply magical and the songs add to the overall mood of the movie.

Malar, one of the deliberately ‘under-promoted’ heroines of the movie, is a definite star in the making. Her character is a huge reveal and gets the most appreciation in the theatre.

After a very long time, I saw families queuing up for tickets at the theatre. It only goes on to show how much of a crowd-puller Premam has become.

Many predict it will be Malayalam’s first movie to touch the magical 100 crore collection mark. And if the current trend is any indication, it doesn’t look like an impossible dream.

It’s a clean entertainer, with little to no double entendre dialogues. And that’s a huge achievement in itself.

The film’s success lies in its ability to take viewers on a nostalgic trip down the memory lane.

VERDICT: It’s a must watch for the children of ’90s Kerala. It’s deliciously and lovingly shot. Go for this nostalgia-inducing ride. 8.5 out of 10.