Premalu disappears from Jio Hotstar; decision leaves Malayali audiences disgruntled

Malayalam movie Premalu, which broke box office records in 2024 to become a blockbuster, has been taken down from the streaming platform Jio Hotstar. It is presumed that the new decision is due to the upcoming Hindi remake of the movie titled 'Prem Keetanu' scheduled for a worldwide theatrical release on October 2, 2026. The film stars Veer Pahariya and debutant Aafiya Sayed in lead roles.

The news of Premalu’s sudden disappearance from Hotstar did not bode well with the Malayalam audience. Many blamed the makers for not giving clarity on the issue, while some others said such unilateral decisions pave the way for piracy.

For over two years, Premalu was one of the most rewatched movies on Jio Hotstar, always on the trending list and possibly a distant second to the Bollywood movie Durandhar.