The popular Malayalam romantic comedy Premalu has reportedly been removed from JioHotstar ahead of the theatrical release of its Hindi adaptation Prem Keetanu. The development has generated considerable discussion among movie fans, with several viewers expressing disappointment over the disappearance of the Malayalam film from the streaming platform.
Premalu, which was released in theatres in 2024, became one of the most successful Malayalam films of that year. Directed by Girish AD and featuring Naslen and Mamitha Baiju in the lead roles, the film received a strong response from audiences across India.
The film's popularity increased further after its digital release. It became particularly popular among viewers outside Kerala, helping it reach audiences who may not have watched the Malayalam theatrical release.
However, viewers recently noticed that Premalu was no longer available on JioHotstar. The timing of the removal attracted attention because the Hindi remake, titled Prem Keetanu, is preparing for its theatrical release.
The Hindi adaptation stars Veer Pahariya, Aparshakti Khurana and Aafiya Sayed. The film is scheduled to arrive in theatres on October 2, 2026. Its teaser was recently released, leading to further discussion among viewers familiar with the original Malayalam film.
The removal of Premalu has led to questions about whether the decision is connected to the upcoming Hindi remake. While reports have linked the timing of the OTT removal to the remake, the makers have not publicly provided a detailed explanation confirming that this is the reason.
Some reports suggest that the Hindi dubbed version of Premalu was also removed from the platform. This has led to speculation that the move could be intended to limit easy access to the original Hindi version before Prem Keetanu reaches theatres.
The development has particularly disappointed fans who enjoyed Premalu and regularly returned to the film on streaming platforms.
Several social media users criticised the decision and argued that the original should remain available even after the Hindi remake arrives in theatres. Others questioned the need to make the original film unavailable when audiences may want to compare the two versions.
The discussion intensified after the Prem Keetanu teaser was released. Some viewers said that the Hindi adaptation appears to have made changes to the characters and presentation rather than following the original film exactly.
This has resulted in different reactions among audiences. While some viewers are interested in seeing how the story has been adapted for Hindi-speaking audiences, others believe the original Premalu had a freshness and natural chemistry that would be difficult to reproduce.
Premalu's success was driven not only by its romantic storyline but also by the performances of its lead actors. Naslen and Mamitha Baiju became widely recognised following the film's success, while the supporting cast and music also contributed to its popularity.
The film was produced by Fahadh Faasil, Dileesh Pothan and Syam Pushkaran. Made on a reported budget of around Rs 3 crore, Premalu went on to achieve a worldwide gross of approximately Rs 136.25 crore, according to India Today.
The success of Premalu also demonstrated the growing reach of Malayalam cinema among audiences throughout India. Films that were previously viewed mainly by regional audiences are increasingly finding national popularity through theatrical releases, dubbed versions and OTT platforms.
Premalu was one such example. Its combination of romance, comedy and relatable characters helped it connect with viewers across different regions.
The upcoming Hindi adaptation is expected to introduce the story to a wider Hindi-speaking theatrical audience. Prem Keetanu is directed by Apoorv Singh Karki and features a new cast.
The film is being produced by Gaurav Verma under Avanika Films in association with Phars Films, with Bhavana Studios associated with the project. The remake is scheduled for a Gandhi Jayanti release on October 2, 2026.
The timing of the original film's removal has therefore become an additional talking point around the remake.
Some fans have questioned whether removing the original could encourage audiences to watch Prem Keetanu in theatres without comparing it directly with the Malayalam version. Others believe viewers should have the freedom to watch both films and decide which version they prefer.
It is worth noting that the removal from JioHotstar does not necessarily mean that Premalu will permanently disappear from OTT platforms. Streaming rights can change, and films can sometimes move between platforms depending on licensing agreements.
At present, there is no confirmed information about whether Premalu will return to JioHotstar or become available on another streaming service.
The situation also highlights the importance of digital rights in the modern Indian film industry. OTT availability can have a major impact on how audiences discover and revisit films after their theatrical runs.
For a successful film such as Premalu, streaming availability has been an important part of its continued popularity. Fans who discovered the movie through JioHotstar are now concerned about losing access to a film they have watched repeatedly.
The reaction also demonstrates how strongly audiences can become attached to original regional-language films when they receive national recognition.
The success of Premalu has created expectations for Prem Keetanu. The Hindi version will face comparisons with the original, particularly regarding casting, chemistry, humour and the overall treatment of the story.
The teaser has already generated mixed reactions among social media users. Some viewers have expressed interest in the new interpretation, while others have criticised aspects of the casting and presentation.
However, reactions to a teaser do not necessarily determine the final response to a film. Prem Keetanu will ultimately be judged after its theatrical release and based on how successfully it adapts the central story for its new audience.
For fans of Premalu, the immediate concern remains the availability of the original film.
The sudden disappearance from JioHotstar has created uncertainty about where viewers can legally watch the Malayalam movie before the Hindi remake arrives. Fans have also asked the production team and streaming platforms to make the original available again.
The controversy is therefore not only about a remake but also about access to the original film.
Premalu's popularity has given the Hindi adaptation a strong starting point, but it has also created a high level of expectation. Audiences who already know the original story are likely to pay close attention to the new cast, setting, humour and characterisation.
The makers of Prem Keetanu will therefore have to establish an identity for the Hindi version while retaining the elements that made the original successful.
The October 2 release will provide the first major opportunity for audiences to judge the adaptation.
Until then, discussion surrounding the removal of Premalu from JioHotstar is likely to continue, particularly among fans who want to revisit the original before watching its Hindi counterpart.
Overall, Premalu's reported removal from JioHotstar ahead of the release of Prem Keetanu has sparked disappointment and speculation among fans. While the timing has led to questions about a possible connection with the Hindi remake, no detailed official explanation for the OTT removal has been publicly confirmed