Om Shanti Shanti Shantihi, starring Tharun Bhascker and Eesha Rebba as the lead pair, was released in theatres on January 30 but failed to make an impact at the box office. The film is the Telugu remake of the Malayalam blockbuster Jaya Jaya Jaya Jaya Hey. Director A R Sajeev retained the core conflict of the original while making a few changes to suit Telugu sensibilities.
In the Telugu adaptation, the story is set against a Godavari backdrop. Tharun Bhascker plays Omkar Naidu, a fish trader, while Eesha Rebba essays the role of Shanti. Omkar assures Shanti that she can continue her education after marriage. However, once they are married, he not only goes back on his promise but also begins to exhibit aggressive behavior towards her.
As the story progresses, Shanti secretly learns karate and decides to fight back when her husband physically assaults her. While Omkar plots revenge against his wife, Shanti becomes aware of his intentions. With no support from her parents, she ultimately resolves to stand up for herself and take control of her life.
Our CE review of the film read, "AR Sajeev attempts to adapt the story to Telugu sensibilities by setting it against a Godavari backdrop and incorporating local dialects. While this works to an extent, the execution feels only partially successful. The film initially presents the sensitive topic of domestic violence in an engaging and slightly humorous manner. However, as the narrative turns serious, the director fails to sustain the momentum." While the Telugu version falls short of the emotional depth seen in the original, Tharun Bhascker’s performance was widely appreciated, particularly for his authentic Godavari accent. Eesha Rebba was also praised for her powerful and confident portrayal. The film is now set to stream on Aha from March 4.
