Malayalam Hit ‘Premalu’ Mysteriously Pulled From OTT Amid Veer Pahariya’s ‘Prem Keetanu’ Teaser Launch, Fans Enraged

The digital landscape of South Indian cinema has been rattled by a controversial move, as the highly successful Malayalam film, Premalu, has been unceremoniously pulled from the JioHotstar streaming platform. The unexpected removal has left countless fans fuming, especially given its timing – just as the teaser for its Hindi remake, titled Prem Keetanu, dropped on August 17, 2026. Aparshakti Khurana, Veer Pahariya's 'Prem Keetanu' Film Announced.

Released theatrically on February 9, 2024, the Girish AD directorial became a sensational hit, grossing over INR 136.25 crore worldwide against a modest budget of INR 3 crore. The film, starring Naslen as Sachin Santhosh and Mamitha Baiju as Reenu Roy, was critically acclaimed for its fresh take on romance and humour.

Its digital premiere on Disney+ Hotstar took place on April 12, 2024. The film later became available on JioHotstar, captivating a wider audience across Malayalam, Tamil, and Telugu languages.

‘Premalu’ Removed from OTT?

Reports surfaced around August 16, 2026, confirming that Premalu was no longer available for streaming on JioHotstar. The decision to withdraw the original Malayalam blockbuster from its digital home has been met with significant backlash. Many believe this strategic removal aims to clear the path and avoid direct comparisons for the upcoming Hindi adaptation.

Before its removal, 'Premalu' was lauded as one of the highest-grossing Malayalam films of 2024 and was among the few to enter the coveted ₹100 crore club at the worldwide box office.

Fans React to Premalu’s Unexpected OTT Removal

The timing of 'Premalu's' disappearance from JioHotstar, just a day after the 'Prem Keetanu' teaser release, has ignited a firestorm on social media. Fans have taken to various platforms to express their disappointment and anger, with many questioning the fairness of denying audiences access to the original masterpiece. Comments ranged from lamenting the loss of an enjoyable re-watch option to outright accusations of a calculated move to benefit the remake.

One user reportedly stated, "Looks like #PremKeetanu isn't a shot for shot remake of Premalu after all. It feels more generic and doesn't have the freshness that made Premalu so special, though. The sad part is that Premalu has been removed from OTT because of this remake (sic)."

Fan Reactions to ‘Premalu’ OTT Removal 

‘Prem Keetanu’ Buzz and Teaser Release

The Hindi remake, Prem Keetanu, directed by Apoorv Singh Karki, unveiled its teaser on August 17, 2026. Produced by Gaurav Verma under Avanika Films, the film stars Veer Pahariya, Aafiya Sayed, Aparshakti Khurana, Nikhil Vijay, and Rakesh Bedi in pivotal roles. It is slated for a theatrical release on October 2, 2026. Veer Pahariya to Play a College Student in 'Prem Keetanu', Teaser out.

Watch the Teaser of ‘Prem Keetanu’:

The teaser for Prem Keetanu has garnered mixed reactions, with some viewers drawing unfavourable comparisons to the original Premalu, suggesting it lacks the unique charm that made the Malayalam version a runaway success. The ongoing debate highlights the deep emotional connection audiences have with Premalu and their reluctance to see it overshadowed, especially by a remake perceived by some as less authentic.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 18, 2026 12:46 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).