Ohm Shanthi Oshaana Movie Review

Ohm Shanthi Oshaana is a 2014 Malayalam coming-of-age romantic comedy directed by Jude Anthany Joseph, with a screenplay co-written by Midhun Manuel Thomas and the director. The film stars Nazriya Nazim as the vibrant and spirited Pooja Mathew, alongside Nivin Pauly playing a significant role as Giri. Told predominantly from a female perspective, the movie explores love, ambition, and self-discovery in a refreshing and light-hearted manner, breaking the usual mold of romantic cinema by positioning the heroine as the proactive seeker in love.

Plot Summary

The film begins in 1983 with Pooja Mathew’s birth, amidst a humorous scene where her father mistakenly believes he has a son only to find Pooja has been born, which sets the tone for the film’s playful exploration of gender expectations.

By 1999, Pooja is a tomboyish 15-year-old known for her mischievousness and energetic nature. The narrative introduces her parents – her father Mathew Davis, a doctor with an unusual hobby of recording his own singing, and her mother, a sincere college lecturer who loves cooking. Pooja’s childhood is filled with fearless adventures, motorbike rides, fights, and deep friendships with Neetu, a flirt, and Donna, a foodie. Her bond with her aunt Rachel, who is her confidante and advisor, helps shape Pooja’s rebellious yet sincere personality.

Inspired by Rachel’s advice on love and marriage, Pooja decides she wants to find someone to truly love herself rather than settling for an arranged marriage. She fixates on Yardley, the school’s popular boy, but soon falls for Giri, a charismatic and principled kung fu instructor involved in social activism, known for his kindness and strong sense of justice.

Pooja’s first confession of love to Giri ends in heartbreak when he cautions her to focus on her studies, considering her too young. Undeterred, Pooja devotes herself to her medical studies at Kozhikode Medical College while continuing to harbor feelings for Giri.

Throughout her college years, Pooja builds new friendships and meets Dr. Prasad Varkey, a young and understanding professor who could be a suitor but Pooja remains committed to her feelings for Giri.

Reunited later, the film explores nostalgia, unresolved emotions, and the complexities of first love. As Pooja supports Giri through family challenges and social issues such as opposition to love marriages and caste politics, their relationship matures.

The story reaches its emotional climax with Giri admitting mutual feelings and their eventual marriage. The film ends on a light-hearted note revealing that despite moving on, men often carry memories of first love, hinted by naming their daughter Julie after Giri’s ex.

Characters and Performances

Pooja Mathew (Nazriya Nazim):

Nazriya’s bubbly, confident, and energetic portrayal of Pooja stole hearts, presenting a refreshing female protagonist who drives the narrative. Her seamless transition from a tomboy teenager to a determined medical student is captivating.

Giri (Nivin Pauly):

Nivin’s portrayal of the socially active, kind-hearted, kung fu master with a complicated past offers charm and depth. His chemistry with Nazriya flows naturally, enhancing the film’s emotional payoff.

Dr. Prasad Varkey (Vineeth Sreenivasan):

Offers a supportive and understanding figure in Pooja’s life, delivering subtle, warm performances.

Supporting Cast:

Renji Panicker as Doctor Mathew Davis, Aju Varghese, Vinay Forrt, and others add humor and realism.

Themes Explored

Female-led Romance:

The story breaks from traditional narratives by making Pooja the active pursuer of love.

Youth and Growth:

It celebrates the journey from adolescence to adulthood with its joys, heartbreaks, and self-discovery.

Love and Social Barriers:

Deals sensitively with caste, family opposition, and societal norms surrounding love and marriage.

Friendship and Family:

Emphasizes the importance of bonds beyond romance including friendships and family relationships.

Dreams and Career:

Shows the balancing act between personal dreams and romantic aspirations.

Direction and Cinematic Aspects

Jude Anthany Joseph’s direction is light, breezy, and engaging, with a script that blends humor, romance, and emotional depth effortlessly. The narrative uses witty dialogues and situational comedy grounded in relatable experiences.

The cinematography captures the lush greenery and vibrant life of Kerala. The film’s music by Shaan Rahman includes catchy, melodic songs that complement the youthful, upbeat tone.

Editing by Lijo Paul ensures fluid storytelling maintaining pace across the film’s timeline from school to adulthood.

Critical Reception and Impact

Ohm Shanthi Oshaana was a major critical and commercial success, contributing significantly to the careers of its lead actors. It was praised for its fresh, spirited take on romance, relatable characters, and strong yet simple storytelling.

The film won multiple Kerala State Film Awards, including Best Popular Film, Best Actress for Nazriya, and Best Editor for Lijo Paul.

It became one of the highest-grossing Malayalam films of 2014 and is considered a landmark in new-generation Malayalam cinema.

Memorable Scenes

• The humorous contrast in Pooja’s birth announcement scene.

• Pooja’s tomboy antics and motorbike rides.

• First love-confession scene under the rain.

• College days with Pooja, Prasad, and friends.

• The emotional hospital and family scenes.

• The romantic and tender reunion moments between Pooja and Giri.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Who directed Ohm Shanthi Oshaana?

Directed by Jude Anthany Joseph.

Who are the lead actors?

Nazriya Nazim as Pooja, Nivin Pauly as Giri.

What is the film’s plot?

A coming-of-age romantic story told from the viewpoint of a spirited young woman pursuing the love of her life.

What makes the film different?

A female protagonist driving the love story and an honest portrayal of youth and romance.

What are the key themes?

Love, youth, family, social barriers, and ambition.

How was it received?

Critically acclaimed and commercially successful, winning several awards.

Is the film suitable for family viewing?

Yes, it is a light-hearted, wholesome romantic comedy.

Ohm Shanthi Oshaana is a charming, spirited love story breaking conventional molds with a strong female perspective. Through vibrant performances, appealing music, and sincere storytelling, it continues to be cherished as a modern classic of Malayalam cinema’s new generation.