Nazriya steals the show in ‘Om Shanti Oshaana’ 

By Mythily Ramachandran

A love story usually has the man wooing the woman till he wins her heart. For a change, here is a story where it is the other way around.  
The film opens with a narration by Pooja Mathews, who looks back on her life. 

So we rewind to her school days, when Pooja falls for Giri Madhavan, after he snubs a bunch of guys who eve- teased her at a swimming pool.

But Giri, an idealist and a social activist  is completely oblivious of Pooja’s feelings for him. And, when she does muster up courage, after following him around like a puppy, to reveal her heart, Giri dismisses it and asks her to focus on her studies.
The rejection makes Pooja all the more determined to win his heart, even if it means waiting for him for some years. In the meantime, she completes school and joins medical college, following her father’s footsteps. 
Directed by first time director, Jude Anthony Joseph, a former IT professional, the story of ‘Om Shanti Oshaana,’ is written by Midhun Manuel Thomas.
Told humorously, the narrative keeps viewers often breaking into a loud laugh. Nazriya Nazim is spontaneous as Pooja, the gawky wide-eyed teenager, who sails through school, punctuating this phase of her life with pranks. 

It is a different Nivin Pauly you get to see after the cricket player we saw in ‘1983’ proving his versatility as an actor. Pauly brings out a quiet and practical headed Giri who believes in his principles and has no time  for love. 
Adding to the funny moments is Aju Varghese, playing Pooja’s cousin, David, an irresponsible young man nurturing a grouse for Giri. 
Watch out for Vineeth Srinivasan in a guest role. He plays a doctor in Pooja’s medical college and Srinivasan’s new look is indeed cool. 
Music by Shaan Rahman and Vinod Illampally’s spectacular visuals enhance this delightful romantic comedy in Malayalam.