After the lukewarm reception of Mithra Mandali, Priyadarshi returns to the big screen with Premante, a romantic comedy infused with a touch of crime drama. Directed by first-time filmmaker Navaneeth Sriram, the film aims to explore the dynamics of love and marriage, while sprinkling humour throughout. Featuring Anandhi as the female lead, alongside Suma Kanakala in an important supporting role, Premante sets out to connect with audiences through relatable emotions and everyday scenarios.
Story
The narrative centers around Madhusudhana Rao (Priyadarshi) and Ramya (Anandhi), who fall in love and marry. Their honeymoon phase lasts for three joyful months until Ramya discovers a startling truth about her husband. Although willing to give him another chance, circumstances push her into backing his questionable activities. As they navigate escalating challenges, the film delves into how one decision can reshape their lives.
Performances
Priyadarshi delivers a steady performance, but his role lacks the depth needed to truly stand out. Anandhi shoulders much of the emotional weight and shines in select sequences, though stronger writing could have elevated her portrayal further. Suma Kanakala enjoys a larger presence but her character remains underwhelming. Vennela Kishore, Ram Prasad, and Hyper Aadhi contribute light-hearted moments, offering intermittent laughter relief.
Behind the Scenes
Navaneeth’s storytelling introduces relatable marital conflicts and captures them with authenticity. A well-placed twist before the interval promises an intriguing second half. However, post-interval, the narrative loses focus—dragged pacing, unnecessary filler humour, and underdeveloped subplots dilute the impact. The climactic resolution feels convenient, missing an emotional punch.
Vishwanath Reddy’s cinematography enhances the visual appeal with natural tones and vibrant shots. Leone James’ music complements the romantic sequences well, with situational songs and a background score that supports the film’s emotional beats. Raghavendra Thirun’s editing, however, could be sharper—especially in the second half where the pacing suffers. Dialogues are effective, and production values hold up respectably.
Final Verdict
Premante starts off as a relatable romantic comedy with a charming premise and some genuinely funny moments. Priyadarshi and Anandhi’s performances keep the first half engaging, and the pre-interval twist builds curiosity. Unfortunately, the film’s second half loses narrative steam, with sluggish pacing and emotional disconnect.
For casual viewers seeking light entertainment, Premante offers an okay watch, but for those expecting consistent storytelling and depth, the film may feel underwhelming. With a tighter script and more focused direction, it could have been a strong rom-com with memorable impact.
