Introduction
Oke Oka Jeevitham is a 2022 Indian Telugu-language science fiction drama film that combines elements of time travel with deep emotional storytelling. Directed by Shree Karthick, the movie stars Sharwanand, Ritu Varma, Amala Akkineni, Nassar, and Vennela Kishore in key roles. The film explores the power of time, fate, and human emotions, making it a unique entry into Telugu cinema.
The movie gained critical acclaim for its engaging narrative, heartfelt emotions, and science fiction-based time-travel concept. It stands out as a rare blend of science fiction and emotional drama, offering audiences a story that tugs at the heartstrings while also making them think about the consequences of their choices in life.
Plot Summary
The story revolves around Aadhi (played by Sharwanand), a struggling musician who is haunted by the loss of his mother in his childhood. He finds it hard to move on and struggles with his career and personal life. His two best friends, Srinu (Vennela Kishore) and Chaitu (Priyadarshi Pulikonda), are also dealing with their own struggles, making them a trio of aimless yet hopeful individuals trying to find purpose in life.
Their lives take an unexpected turn when they meet a scientist named Paul (Nassar), who introduces them to a groundbreaking invention—a time machine. Paul gives them a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to travel back in time to their childhood and make changes that could alter their future forever.
As the trio embarks on their journey through time, they encounter their younger selves and relive moments from their past. However, what starts as an attempt to correct their mistakes soon turns into a life-changing lesson on destiny, love, and acceptance. Aadhi’s primary goal is to reunite with his mother (played by Amala Akkineni) and change the events that led to her passing.
The film beautifully portrays the emotional turmoil of losing a loved one, the impact of childhood traumas, and the idea of whether fate can truly be altered.
Themes Explored in Oke Oka Jeevitham
1. Time Travel and Its Consequences
The concept of time travel is often seen in science fiction movies, but Oke Oka Jeevitham gives it an emotional and philosophical depth. It doesn’t treat time travel as just a plot device for thrilling adventures; instead, it explores how changing the past affects the future in unpredictable ways.
Aadhi and his friends believe that fixing their past mistakes will lead to a better future, but they soon realize that time has a way of balancing itself. Their attempt to change history leads to unexpected consequences, reinforcing the idea that some things in life are meant to happen as they are.
2. Mother-Son Bond
A key highlight of the movie is the beautifully written mother-son relationship between Aadhi and his mother. Played by Amala Akkineni, Aadhi’s mother is a loving and understanding woman who always encourages him.
Aadhi’s desperate attempt to reunite with his mother and save her from her fate makes the film deeply emotional. It showcases how a mother’s love remains eternal and how the loss of a loved one can leave a void that is difficult to fill.
The scenes between Aadhi and his mother in both the past and present timelines are some of the most touching moments in the film, making viewers connect with the emotional depth of the story.
3. Friendship and Personal Growth
Apart from the emotional angle, the film also focuses on the friendship between Aadhi, Srinu, and Chaitu. They are three ordinary individuals with their own flaws and struggles.
- Srinu (Vennela Kishore) is a fun-loving yet anxious person who often finds himself in trouble.
- Chaitu (Priyadarshi Pulikonda) is a simple, carefree individual with big dreams.
Through their journey into the past, the trio realizes the importance of their friendship, the value of their experiences, and the power of self-acceptance.
The film beautifully conveys that no matter how much we try to change the past, it is our present decisions that define who we are.
4. Destiny vs. Free Will
A fundamental question the film asks is: Can we change our fate?
While time travel allows the characters to revisit their past, they soon learn that not everything can or should be changed. The story suggests that while some events in life are inevitable, we can still shape our future by making peace with our past.
This philosophical aspect makes Oke Oka Jeevitham more than just a science fiction film—it becomes a deeply thought-provoking experience for the audience.
Performances and Direction
Sharwanand as Aadhi
Sharwanand delivers one of his finest performances in the film. His portrayal of a lost musician struggling with emotional pain is deeply touching. His expressions, particularly in scenes with Amala Akkineni, add to the emotional weight of the movie.
Amala Akkineni as Aadhi’s Mother
Amala Akkineni’s return to Telugu cinema after a long gap was a delight for fans. Her performance as Aadhi’s mother is warm, genuine, and heart-touching. She brings grace and depth to her role, making her character unforgettable.
Vennela Kishore and Priyadarshi as the Friends
Both Vennela Kishore and Priyadarshi Pulikonda provide excellent comic relief while also contributing emotionally to the narrative. Their camaraderie with Sharwanand adds a layer of authenticity to the film.
Nassar as the Scientist
Veteran actor Nassar plays the role of Paul, the scientist who introduces the time machine. His character is well-written, providing a logical yet emotional foundation for the time-travel concept.
Shree Karthick’s Direction
Director Shree Karthick deserves praise for crafting a film that seamlessly blends science fiction with human emotions. His storytelling is subtle yet powerful, ensuring that the emotional beats resonate with the audience while keeping the sci-fi elements grounded.
Technical Aspects
Cinematography
The film’s cinematography by Sujith Sarang is visually stunning. The way the past and present timelines are captured adds a unique flavor to the film.
Music and Background Score
Music composer Jakes Bejoy delivers a soulful soundtrack that enhances the film’s emotional depth. Songs like “Amma” beautifully capture the mother-son bond.
Editing and Visual Effects
The editing by Sreejith Sarang ensures that the time-travel sequences are easy to follow. The visual effects used for the time machine are well-executed, maintaining a realistic feel.
Reception and Box Office Performance
Upon its release, Oke Oka Jeevitham received positive reviews from both critics and audiences.
Critical Reception
- The film was praised for its emotional storytelling, strong performances, and fresh take on time travel.
- Amala Akkineni’s return was one of the highlights of the film.
- The balance between science fiction and emotion was well appreciated.
Box Office Performance
The movie performed decently well at the box office, earning recognition as a quality film with a strong emotional core.
Conclusion
Oke Oka Jeevitham is a rare gem in Telugu cinema, blending science fiction with deep emotions. It proves that time-travel movies don’t have to be just about adventure and thrill—they can also be heartfelt stories about love, loss, and acceptance.
The movie leaves a lasting impact with its soulful storytelling, strong performances, and philosophical depth. It serves as a reminder that life is unpredictable, and while we may want to change our past, it is our present that truly matters.