Why We Crave the "Guy Next Door" (And Why I Didn't Fast-Forward Premante)

Fresh off my thoughts on the Priyadarshi starrer Mithra, I found myself clicking play on Premante on Netflix the very next day. Maybe it was the algorithm, or maybe it was just good timing.

I usually sit with the remote in hand, thumb hovering over the "forward" button. Modern cinema seems to have confused "intensity" with "gore." If I am not skipping a ten-minute bloodshed sequence, I am usually wincing through it.

❖

The "Pan-India" Fatigue

The common wisdom in today's entertainment industry is that to be a "hit," you need high stakes, mass violence, and a hero who looks like he was carved out of granite, sitting high above the audience on a pedestal of slow-motion shots.

We are told this is what we want. We are told we want "escapism" that looks like a war zone.

But Premante proves that sometimes, the best escape is just... life. A kaleidoscope of romance, adventure, and comedy that doesn't require a body count to keep your attention.

The Shift: The Chameleon Next Door

This is where Priyadarshi Pulikonda shines. He doesn't play the "we are too high for you" star. He plays the person you know. He plays us.

His ability to blend into roles is a masterclass in subtlety. Whether he is the sharp-witted lawyer in Court (2025) or the romance hero in Premante, he retains a "guy next door" relatability that makes you root for him instantly. He isn't saving the world; he is just trying to save his day. And that is infinitely more relatable.

[attachment_0]

A Breath of Fresh Air

Director Navaneeth Sriram has crafted something praised for its quirky plot, but I value it for its restraint. It is a "clean" entertainer—a genre that feels endangered. The cinematography makes the world look beautiful, not bleak.

The supporting cast adds layers to this charm:

• Anandhi brings a grounded grace to the screen.
• Vennela Kishore delivers the comedy we expect, reliable as ever.
• Suma Kanakala is the surprise package. Watching her performance, I found myself hoping this isn't a one-off. There is a "Police Story" series waiting to be written for her character.

"True versatility isn't about how loud you can scream, but how quietly you can make the audience listen."

Observation: When was the last time you watched a movie without reaching for the fast-forward button? Let me know in the comments.

Source: Cast and crew details verified via Netflix and o fficial credits.