EUPHEMISING STALKING SUBTITLING DESIRE AND GENDER POLITICS IN PREMAM
Film and society share a bidirectional relationship, with cinema reflecting and shaping cultural norms. This essay condenses a critical analysis of the 2015 Malayalam film Premam , directed by Alphonse Puthren , starring Nivin Pauly . Despite acclaim for its nostalgic romance and male camaraderie, the film normalizes stalking, misogyny, racism, and boundaryless desire, amplified by euphemistic English subtitles that mask problematic elements for global audiences . Problematic RepresentationsPremam traces protagonist George's romantic pursuits across life stages, glorifying obsessive behaviors as charming love. His relentless stalking of schoolmate Mary—surveillance and overinterpreting casual signals—shifts from affection to obsession, framed as teenage fun. Interactions with college teacher Malar blur professional boundaries, prioritizing male desire over ethics and power dynamics, embodying patriarchal entitlement .Racism emerges through comedy, with dark-skinned characters lab...