Om Shanti Shanti Shantihi: A Refreshing Take on Marital Realities in Rural Andhra
The Telugu film Om Shanti Shanti Shantihi, released on January 30, 2026, has quickly captured audience attention with its authentic portrayal of married life. Directed by AR Sajeev and featuring stellar performances by Tharun Bhascker and Eesha Rebba, this comedy-drama runs for 2 hours and 10 minutes, earning a solid 3.5 rating from both critics and viewers alike.
Plot and Setting: Rural Backdrop with Universal Themes
Set against the picturesque yet culturally rich backdrop of rural Godavari, the narrative follows newlyweds Omkar Naidu (Tharun) and Prashanthi (Eesha). While they share a similar social background, their marriage is tested by contrasting temperaments and expectations. What begins as an ordinary union gradually reveals deeper conflicts rooted in ego, adjustment, and the constant negotiation of personal space.
The film meticulously observes how everyday situations—conversations, silences, and misunderstandings—become pressure points in their relationship. Omkar's traditional views on authority clash with Prashanthi's desire for agency and emotional respect, creating a dynamic that many couples will find strikingly familiar.
Direction and Adaptation: Rooted in Cultural Authenticity
Director AR Sajeev skillfully adapts the Malayalam film Jaya Jaya Jaya Jaya Hey (2022) into a Telugu context, retaining the original's essence while firmly grounding the story in the cultural rhythms of rural Andhra. The setting adds significant texture, illustrating how tradition, masculinity, and family expectations subtly influence personal relationships.
At its core, Om Shanti Shanti Shantihi is a relationship comedy that excels through careful observation. Sajeev uses humour as the primary vehicle without trivialising the emotional weight of the conflicts, ensuring the film remains both entertaining and thought-provoking.
Performances: Tharun and Eesha Shine in Nuanced Roles
Tharun Bhascker delivers one of his most comfortable performances in recent years. His comic timing is impeccable, but it's his portrayal of Omkar's casual entitlement that truly stands out. By avoiding villainous caricatures, Tharun makes the character's behaviour unsettlingly realistic.
Eesha Rebba anchors the film with emotional depth, bringing vulnerability and quiet strength to Prashanthi. Her performance ensures the narrative never loses sight of the emotional cost of marital conflicts. The supporting cast, including Brahmaji, adds credibility to the rural setting, enhancing the film's authenticity and tonal balance.
Strengths and Weaknesses: A Balanced Perspective
The film's greatest strength lies in its depiction of everyday domestic power dynamics. It cleverly shows how behaviour often dismissed as "normal" can become stifling, through offhand remarks, imposed rules, or emotional manipulation. These moments are sharp and relatable, making the social commentary impactful.
However, Om Shanti Shanti Shantihi isn't without flaws. Certain tonal transitions could have been tighter, and some stretches feel slightly prolonged, occasionally blunting the sharpness of the commentary. At times, the humour lingers longer than necessary, momentarily diluting the central message. Despite these minor issues, the film largely recovers, keeping audiences emotionally invested throughout.
Verdict: An Engaging and Relatable Watch
Despite its minor unevenness, Om Shanti Shanti Shantihi remains an engaging and relatable cinematic experience. By blending humour with emotional clarity, it holds up a mirror to everyday relationships without resorting to sermonising. The film succeeds because it lets its flawed, funny, and familiar characters speak for themselves, making it a worthwhile watch for those seeking both entertainment and insight.
In summary, this Telugu comedy-drama offers assured performances, relatable situations, and a well-judged mix of humour and emotion, making it a standout addition to contemporary Indian cinema.
