'Better plot than first part; one move ended up shelving Premalu 2'

It was almost certain that Bhavana Studios would announce the sequel to Premalu, and all eyes were fixed on social media. Very soon, the announcement was made, and Girish AD was roped in as the director. However, the film was not Premalu 2 but a different story titled ‘Bethlehem Kudumba Unit’.

Director Alleppey Ashraf now spilt the beans that led to Girish AD dropping the project.

ALLEPPEY ASHRAF:

“25-year-old Naslen Gafoor, who appeared as a junior artist in the 2019 movie Madhuraraja, is now a sought-after actor whose movies compete with Mohanlal and Mammootty. Naslen and Nahas are the twin sons of Gafoor, a native of Kodungallur in Thrissur district. His unquenchable thirst for cinema made the youngster drop his engineering course midway and pursue cinema. The risk has not gone in vain. However, the recent rumours surrounding Naslen give a sneak peek into his lesser known another side.

Premalu changed Naslen’s career, and his graph climbed new heights with producers knocking on his door for dates. Girish AD once exuded confidence, saying that the sequel of Premalu would surpass all records of the first part. For a sequel to work, commitment from actors is necessary. Girish, for some reason, failed to bring all actors under the same umbrella.

Normally, actors take a sympathetic or emotional approach when negotiating remuneration with the production house that launched them into the movie industry. However, it is reported that Naslen demanded a large remuneration knowing that he would be an integral part of the movie. A dispute over the remuneration took place, and the project was eventually shelved.

If what I heard is true, it is unfortunate that an actor showed a lack of commitment to the production house that helped him thrive in the industry. I hope Naslen will reconsider the decision, and thus Malayalees will get the chance to witness yet another fine cinema crafted by Girish AD”