Thiruvananthapuram: Local college students, who skipped classes to watch the recently released blockbuster film 'Premam' (Love) were in for a surprise as cops poured cold water on their plans and turned them away from a cinema hall after informing their parents.

At least 60 students of various local colleges were turned away from the gate of the theatre on Monday, police sources said.

Police said they had received complaints that youngsters -- from schools and colleges were bunking classes to watch the superhit film 'Premam', starring Nivin Pauly and debutant Anupama Parameshwaran.

Some tried to wriggle out saying they had come to watch the film after their exams, but cops asked for their residential numbers to find out if their parents were aware of this, police said.

The police action was a part of 'Operation Gurukulam' following complaints that students of various colleges were skipping classes en masse to watch the film.

Under the operation, launched last year, police will keep a watch over students and take steps to prevent them from indulging in criminal activities.

Police made it clear that their action was not aimed at curtailing freedom of children or harassing them.