What’s “Om Bheem Bush” about?
Krishna Kanth (Sree Vishnu), Vinay (Priyadarshi), and Madhav (Rahul Ramakrishna, collectively referred to as the Bang Bros, were expelled from their university. All of them pursue a Ph.D. under the supervision of a professor. One event leads to another, and they arrive in Bhairavapuram. The villagers have been plagued by Sampagi, a ghost who wreaks havoc every full moon.
Bang Bros promote themselves in the village by claiming the ability to treat any ailment and provide solutions to any problem. Their unconventional experiments produce positive results, convincing the villagers to accept their claims, resulting in the local tantric expert losing his source of income.
The tantric challenges their abilities, claiming that he will not regard them as fraudsters unless they successfully retrieve the treasure housed within the deserted palace, which is currently occupied by Sampangi. The Bang Brothers willingly accept the challenge. Will the trio successfully confront the ghost and achieve their goal?
Analysis
“Om Bheem Bush” begins as a comedic film reminiscent of “Jathi Ratnalu,” wherein the three protagonists engage in various nonsensical actions and deliver humorous one-liners that elicit laughter. Both films feature Priyadarshi and Rahul Ramakrishna. However, “Om Bheem Bush” can be classified as a horror comedy rather than solely a comedy film.
Director Harsha Konuganti, known for his previous successful film “Husharu,” gives a spin to the conventional horror comedy genre. The inclusion of a flashback involving the ghost in the narrative introduces a novel element that had not been previously explored. The distinctive twist presented in this film sets it apart from conventional horror comedies and comedies.
But the film works only when there is comic moments. The purported ‘twist’ fails to produce the intended outcome.
In terms of entertainment value, the film offers a substantial amount of fun before the intermission. The dialogues and rapid exchanges among the three primary protagonists, portrayed by Sree Vishnu, Priyadarshi, and Rahul, propel the film forward.
Given that the makers explicitly stated “No Logic Only Magic” in the title, one should not anticipate strong story or a rational elucidation of the narrative. While lacking in logic or magic, it undeniably possesses an element of entertainment.
The film would have been more enjoyable if the writing in the scene where the trio enters the palace had been improved. The film loses steam from there.
The sequence involving ‘Sagara Sangamam’ music piece stands out as the most humorous among the second half sequences.
Sree Vishnu’s comic timing shines again in this film. Interestingly, he allows the other two actors, Priyadarshi and Rahul Ramakrishna, to share the same screen time with him and perform the comedy. Sree Vishnu does not appear in some sequences, allowing the comedy to take center stage, which is admirable. He also takes on a sequence in the second half that no male actor would normally agree to.
Rahul Ramakrishna is absolutely hilarious. His innocent dialogues are more enjoyable. Priydarshi is the only one in this film who attempts to speak ‘sense’, while the others engage in nonsensical behavior. He is equally good.
Harsha Konuganti’s dialogue writing is superb. However, as a director, he should have made the film more concise manner and handled the flashback episode more effectively. The music is forgettable. Other technicians have done just an okay job.
Bottom line: “Om Bheem Bush” is a horror comedy that incorporates a new element/flashback. The middle portion contains a good dose of comical moments. The three main actors and their one-liners offer a great deal of fun. However, it is not completely effective and becomes repetitive after a while.
Rating: 2.75/5
Film: Om Bheem Bush
Cast: Sree Vishnu, Priyadarshi, Rahul Ramakrishna, Preity Mukundhan, Ayesha Khan, Racha Ravi and others
Music: Sunny M.R.
DOP: Raj Thota
Editor: Vijay Vardhan Kavuri
Production Designer: Srikanth Ramisetty
Producers: V celluloid – Sunil Balusu
Written and Directed by: Harsha Konuganti
Release Date: March 22, 2024
