Guwahati: Director Tony Deori Basumatary is moving from viral shorts to the silver screen. His new film, Prem XL, centers on two unlikely romantic leads. Mihir, played by Sanjib Kalita, is struggling to find his path after barely attending classes for two years. Diya, portrayed by Anisha Hazarika, is a driven student focused on a professional career following a personal tragedy. The two cross paths at a family-owned paying guest house.
The supporting cast adds necessary tension and humor to the budding relationship. Mridupawan Parashar plays Biki, a loyal friend to Mihir. Jaanu Baruah and Nandini Handique round out the group as Gauri and Dhriti. These friends provide the film with its best comedic beats.
The comedy hits hard. Basumatary relies on situational humor rather than tired melodrama. In one scene, Dhriti gets stuck while trying to hop a high entrance wall, forcing an awkward interaction between the leads. It works. The writing feels organic, avoiding the usual traps of cinematic romance.
The ensemble cast carries the weight of the film. Their performances feel grounded. The chemistry between the leads stays consistent throughout the runtime. Basumatary balances these personal connections with a clear message about life priorities. He ensures his characters never abandon their ambitions for the sake of a fling.
As the film hits its stride, it reminds viewers that growing up and falling in love can coexist. The director notes the film's philosophy: "Be in love, cherish the people who make your life beautiful, but never forget to be useful, take responsibility for your own life, and do your bit to make the world a better place." Despite a slightly rushed conclusion, the film succeeds as a slice-of-life success.
Photo Courtesy: nenow

Comments