Kochi: The sudden shelving of the highly anticipated sequel Premalu 2 has left Malayalam cinema fans asking what went wrong behind closed doors. While director Girish A D ultimately called time on the project, senior filmmaker and critic Alleppey Ashraf has stepped in to challenge the prevailing rumors surrounding the decision.

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Ashraf dismissed widespread rumours suggesting creative differences or script dissatisfaction between Naslen and director Girish A D, asserting that his information originates directly from sources close to the production team. According to the industry insider, the project was scrapped after lead actor Naslen made an unprecedented remuneration demand, stunning both the director and producers.


Remuneration demand stuns producers

Addressing the controversy, Ashraf clarified that Naslen had no objections to Girish A D’s script and was fully prepared to act in the project. However, the fee demanded by the 25-year-old actor left both the director and the producers at Bhavana Studios completely stunned.

“Naslen did not find fault with Girish’s script, nor was he unwilling to act,” Ashraf revealed. “However, the remuneration he demanded left the makers utterly shocked.”

Ashraf pointed out that director Girish A D’s recent cryptic public remark – “Some people only care about their own interests; if that is the case, let them seek other paths” - was made directly in the context of this financial dispute.


Call for commitment

Reflecting on Naslen’s swift rise from a junior artist in the 2019 film ‘Madhura Raja’ to a box-office powerhouse whose projects have breached the ₹300 crore club, Ashraf urged the young star to show greater professional loyalty to the makers who fostered his career.

Drawing a parallel to veteran actor Mukesh, who set aside personal differences with director Lal to ensure the success of ‘In Harihar Nagar 2’, Ashraf suggested that established and emerging stars alike owe a degree of commitment to their founding banners.

“If this report is accurate, should an artist not feel a sense of gratitude towards those who built the stepping stones for their success?” Ashraf remarked, appealing to Naslen to reconsider his stance so that film enthusiasts might still see ‘Premalu 2’ brought to life.