Telugu cinema often plays with offbeat ideas, and Chiranjeeva is a fresh entry in that space. Released directly on the Aha OTT platform on November 7, 2024, the film blends fantasy, comedy, and drama in a light, easy-to-watch package. Starring Raj Tarun, known for his boy-next-door vibe, the movie tries to tell a supernatural story that still feels rooted in everyday life.
The Core Story: A Power That Feels Like a Punishment
The story revolves around Shiva (Raj Tarun), a cheerful youngster who leads a simple life. He works as an ambulance driver, not out of passion for service at first, but because he enjoys driving fast. Shiva lives with his mother and is busy trying to clear his late father’s old debts.
His life takes a sharp turn after a strange accident. When he regains consciousness, Shiva discovers that he can now see a timer above every person’s head. This timer shows exactly how long that person has left to live.
Shocked at first, Shiva slowly starts to cash in on this odd power. He uses it to warn people, make smart bets, and turn his insight into quick money. Things stay fun and light until he notices the timer of someone very close to him. What once felt like a cool gift suddenly becomes a painful burden. Shiva is then forced to face a tough choice: whether to accept what fate has written or try to fight it.
Performances: Raj Tarun Back in His Comfort Zone
Raj Tarun carries most of the film on his shoulders. After doing a few serious roles and appearing in the news for personal reasons, he comes back to familiar ground here. His character is playful, talkative, and full of energy, and his comic timing works well in the first half. In the emotional parts in the second half, he shows good control and doesn’t overact. Fans who liked him in films like Uyyala Jampala will find this performance quite nostalgic.
Kushitha Kallapu, who plays the female lead Divya, makes a decent debut. Her role is fairly limited and mostly revolves around the love track, but she looks natural on screen and shares pleasant chemistry with Raj Tarun.
The supporting cast is packed with popular faces from the Jabardasth comedy show:
- Adire Abhi (who also directed the film) leaves a strong impression with his screen presence.
- Racha Ravi and Tasty Teja bring in solid comic relief in the first half.
- Raja Ravindra plays the main antagonist, a crooked politician whose path collides with Shiva’s. His performance adds seriousness to the thriller track and raises the stakes in key scenes.
Direction and Technical Aspects
Abhinaya Krishna, popularly known as Adire Abhi, makes his directorial debut with this film. Shifting from comedian to director is no small move, and he shows confidence in picking a fantasy plot that needs careful handling, especially with a modest budget.
The screenplay works in parts. The first half is engaging, with a strong focus on Shiva discovering his power and finding ways to use it. The humor is simple and accessible, and the pacing feels brisk. The second half, though, tries to fit in emotional drama, social commentary, and a track involving a group of children in danger. Because of this, some scenes feel stretched, and the narrative slows down toward the climax.
Music and Visuals
- Achu Rajamani’s music is serviceable. The background score supports the supernatural moments well, though at times it feels a bit too loud for the mood.
- Rakesh S. Narayan’s cinematography is clean and effective. The visual representation of the “death timers” is straightforward and clear, which suits an OTT release and does not distract from the story.
What Works and What Falls Short
What Works
- Interesting Premise: The core idea of seeing a person’s remaining lifespan is engaging and holds your attention.
- Comedy Track: The banter between Raj Tarun and his friends delivers enjoyable laughs, especially in the early portions.
- Short Runtime: With a duration of under two hours, the film moves at a fairly comfortable pace and does not feel too long.
What Falls Short
- Predictable Climax: Once the main conflict is revealed, it becomes easy to guess where the story will end up.
- Underwritten Villain Track: The politician’s arc feels routine, with familiar Tollywood tropes and no strong twists.
- Logic Issues: Since the film relies on a fantasy setup, not everything is explained in detail. Viewers who look for logic in every scene may find some parts unconvincing.
Final Verdict
Chiranjeeva is a fair attempt at a high-concept fantasy comedy. It does not try to be a giant blockbuster; instead, it aims to give a fun and emotional home-watch experience that suits the Aha audience.
If you enjoy Raj Tarun’s lighthearted style, like fantasy ideas, and are okay with a few logic gaps, this movie is a good pick for a relaxed weekend streaming session. It may not leave a lasting mark, but it offers a couple of hours of decent entertainment with a touch of supernatural flavor.
iBomma Rating: 2.75/5