Girish AD Says Shelving Premalu 2 Was a Major Setback Before Bethlehem Kudumba Unit’s Success
Malayalam filmmaker Girish AD has spoken about the professional setback he experienced when Premalu 2 was shelved after nearly a year of work. The director said the unexpected decision affected the team and resulted in a significant loss of time. However, the setback eventually led him to move forward with Bethlehem Kudumba Unit, a film that went on to become a major commercial success.
Speaking at the success celebration of Bethlehem Kudumba Unit in Kochi, Girish reflected on the difficulties of abandoning the sequel and thanked the people who supported him during the period. His comments offered insight into how the cancellation changed his plans and influenced the development of his next film.
Girish AD Reflects on the Premalu 2 Setback
Girish AD revealed that he and his team spent approximately a year working on Premalu 2 before the project was unexpectedly abandoned. The director described the decision as a major setback, saying that the time invested in developing the sequel had ultimately been lost.
Premalu, released in 2024, became one of Malayalam cinema’s notable commercial successes. The romantic comedy featured Naslen and Mamitha Baiju in the lead roles and attracted audiences beyond Kerala. Following its success, plans for a sequel emerged, raising expectations among fans who wanted to see the story continue.
Girish and co-writer Kiran Josey began developing the follow-up, with the team reportedly aiming for a release during the Vishu season in 2026. However, the project did not move forward.
In earlier comments, Girish explained that he could not fully convince himself about the sequel’s story despite discussions with his collaborators. The decision to shelve the film meant that the team had to rethink its immediate plans and focus on a different project.
Support From Bhavana Studios and Kiran Josey
Girish credited production banner Bhavana Studios, screenwriter Kiran Josey and members of his direction team for supporting him during the difficult period.
According to the director, their backing helped him regain momentum and complete the screenplay for Bethlehem Kudumba Unit in a relatively short time. The project was not entirely new to him, as he had been considering the idea even before Premalu became a major hit.
The success of the earlier film had led the team to prioritise a sequel. When that plan did not work out, Girish returned to the story he had wanted to develop.
The experience highlights the uncertainty involved in film production. Even when an earlier movie performs well, developing a sequel can involve creative challenges, scheduling changes and decisions about whether a story is ready to be made.
For Girish, the support of his collaborators helped turn a difficult period into an opportunity to pursue a different creative direction.
How Bethlehem Kudumba Unit Came Together
Bethlehem Kudumba Unit brought Girish back together with several members of his regular creative team, including co-writer Kiran Josey, cinematographer Ajmal Sabu and editor Akash Joseph Varghese. The film was produced by Bhavana Studios, which is associated with Fahadh Faasil, Dileesh Pothan and Syam Pushkaran.
The film stars Nivin Pauly and Mamitha Baiju. Its story centres on Justin, an unmarried man approaching middle age, and Ashley, a younger woman who moves into his neighbourhood. Their relationship forms the central thread of the narrative, with humour and family interactions contributing to the film’s appeal.
Mamitha Baiju, who also starred in Premalu, returned to work with Girish in a different role. Nivin Pauly took the male lead in the new film, bringing together a fresh pairing for the director’s romantic comedy.
Bethlehem Kudumba Unit was released during the Onam season in August 2026. The timing helped place the film among the major Malayalam releases of the festive period.
Bethlehem Kudumba Unit Becomes a Box-Office Success
Girish said the team had not expected Bethlehem Kudumba Unit to achieve such a large response from audiences. He described the film’s success as a personal victory and expressed gratitude to the people who stood by him after Premalu 2 was abandoned.
Media reports have placed the film’s worldwide box-office collection above Rs 325 crore, with some reports estimating the total at around Rs 330 crore. These figures are industry estimates and may vary between tracking services.
The film’s performance has strengthened Girish’s position in Malayalam cinema and made the project a significant success in his career. Its reception also demonstrated that the director could move beyond the expectations created by Premalu and connect with audiences through a different story.
The commercial result was especially meaningful after the uncertainty surrounding the sequel. What initially appeared to be a lost year ultimately preceded a project that achieved a much larger response than the team had anticipated.
What the Premalu 2 Experience Means for Girish AD
The shelving of Premalu 2 illustrates the creative and practical challenges that can arise when filmmakers attempt to continue a successful story. A sequel may attract strong audience interest, but its development still depends on finding a story that the filmmakers believe is worth telling.
Girish’s account suggests that his decision to move forward was influenced by his concerns about the sequel’s script and the support he received from his collaborators. Rather than continuing with a project he was not fully satisfied with, he returned to another idea that had been waiting to be developed.
For now, Premalu 2 remains shelved, while Bethlehem Kudumba Unit has become a major success for the director and his team. Girish’s remarks underline how an unexpected professional setback can lead to a different creative opportunity, although the success of a new film cannot be guaranteed in advance.
The director’s experience offers a behind-the-scenes perspective on the decisions that shape Malayalam cinema, from sequel planning and script development to the teamwork required to bring a new film to theatres.
