Om Shanti Shanti Shantihi review: Tharun Bhascker’s remake stays sincere but struggles to surprise

• What happened: Om Shanti Shanti Shantihi, the Telugu remake of a popular Malayalam dark comedy, released in theatres on January 30, 2026.

• Why it matters now: The film marks Tharun Bhascker’s return as a lead actor in a mainstream theatrical release.

• What changes for people: Audiences familiar with the original may find limited novelty, while first-time viewers get a socially driven dark comedy.

• Who is affected: Telugu moviegoers, fans of Tharun Bhascker and Eesha Rebba, and viewers interested in issue-based cinema.

Om Shanti Shanti Shantihi, directed by A R Sajeev, attempts to adapt a critically discussed Malayalam film for Telugu audiences. While the remake remains faithful in intent and structure, its scene-by-scene approach ultimately becomes both its strength and its biggest limitation.

The story at a glance

Set against the backdrop of East Godavari, the film follows Prashanti, a young woman raised with limited agency over her life choices. Her parents arrange her marriage to Ambati Omkar Naidu, a successful but controlling fishery businessman.

As Prashanti settles into married life, cracks begin to show. What initially appears like adjustment slowly turns into confrontation, as she discovers the darker side of her husband’s personality. The film explores how she navigates power, patriarchy, and personal resistance.

Performances that hold the film together

Tharun Bhascker delivers a convincing and restrained performance, stepping away from his familiar image. His Godavari accent feels natural and adds credibility to the character.

Eesha Rebba anchors the film with a measured and serious portrayal, especially effective in the interval block and climax. Her understated approach works well for the emotional weight the story carries.

Brahmaji, despite limited screen time, brings brief comic relief, though his character feels underwritten. The supporting cast fits their roles without leaving a strong individual imprint.

Where the film falters

The biggest challenge for Om Shanti Shanti Shantihi is familiarity. The Malayalam original was widely viewed on OTT platforms, and this Telugu version follows it almost frame by frame, offering very few reinterpretations.

The second half slows down noticeably, with stretched scenes affecting engagement. While some fight-related comedy lands, the narrative momentum dips, reducing the emotional punch.

Several supporting characters, particularly those tied to emotional arcs, are not explored deeply, limiting the film’s overall impact.

Technical aspects

• Cinematography: Deepak Yaragera delivers pleasing visuals that complement the rural setting.

• Music: Jay Krish’s background score supports the mood without overpowering scenes.

• Editing: Could have been tighter, especially post-interval.

• Direction: Debut director A R Sajeev stays loyal to the source material but misses an opportunity to localise or reinterpret it meaningfully for Telugu audiences.

Final verdict

Om Shanti Shanti Shantihi works in parts, powered mainly by its lead performances and a socially relevant theme. However, the lack of freshness and a sluggish second half prevent it from standing out.

Viewers who haven’t seen the original may find it passable and thought-provoking, while those familiar with the Malayalam version could feel underwhelmed.

Rating: 2.75 out of 5

What to watch next

• Audience word-of-mouth over the opening weekend

• Box office performance compared to other Telugu remakes

• Whether the film finds a second life on OTT platforms