# Premalu removed from OTT ahead of Hindi remake release 2026-08-22T16:52:57+00:00 | Entertainment | Indian Opinion Desk Corroboration: 1 independent outlet Malayalam romantic comedy 'Premalu' has been removed from JioHotstar, days before the theatrical release of its Hindi remake 'Prem Keetanu' on October 2. The film's sudden disappearance has sparked disappointment among fans, who took to social media to express frustration and demand its return to another platform. The removal coincides with the promotional campaign for the Hindi version, leading to speculation of a connection. Directed by Apoorv Singh Karki, 'Prem Keetanu' stars Veer Pahariya, Aafiya Sayed and Aparshakti Khurana. There has been no official explanation from the streaming platform or the film's producers. ## Indian Opinion Analysis Removing the original from streaming before a remake's release is unusual in Indian cinema. Typically, studios keep originals accessible to build curiosity or drive comparisons. The decision suggests the producers want to avoid cannibalising the Hindi version's opening box office, especially since 'Premalu' remained popular with younger viewers on OTT. 'Prem Keetanu' releases in theatres on October 2, and its first weekend performance will signal whether the strategy worked. ## Coverage - onmanorama.com Leads with fan unhappiness and speculation rather than official confirmation or business rationale This story was synthesised by AI from the source linked above. Tags: Girish A D, JioHotstar, Mamitha Baiju, Naslen, Prem Keetanu, Premalu Canonical: https://indianopinion.org/premalu-removed-from-ott-ahead-of-hindi-remake-release/ License: Summary and commentary (c) Indian Opinion, reusable with attribution. Facts belong to the linked sources. Cite: https://indianopinion.org/premalu-removed-from-ott-ahead-of-hindi-remake-release/#story-in-brief Review state: restored archive article, accurate at time of publication, not offered to search indexes. How this brief was made: an AI model read the report linked above and wrote this summary and analysis, which were published automatically. Published briefs are sampled every hour by an automated quality check; the editor verifies its findings and approves corrections, and corrected briefs carry a dated correction line. We do no original reporting. Methodology: https://indianopinion.org/ai-use-policy/