Venkatesh’s Film Disappoints Online, TV Debut Gets a Surprise: Sankranthiki Vasthunam Flunks on OTT?
Introduction
Sankranthiki Vasthunam, the Telugu family entertainer starring Venkatesh and Meenakshi Chaudhary, has finally made its way onto OTT platforms, accompanied by some unexpected surprises. The film, which premiered on March 1, 2025, on Zee Telugu and started streaming on Zee5, has left fans and critics underwhelmed. Let’s dive into what exactly has gone wrong and how the film’s TV debut has turned out to be a shock to many.
Sankranthiki Vasthunam: A Film Worth the Hype?
Released globally on January 14, 2025, Sankranthiki Vasthunam was a box office success, raking in a worldwide gross of Rs. 255.2 crore. However, the excitement surrounding its OTT release has been tempered by the fact that a significant portion of the film has been cut from the original version. The theatrical release clocked in at 2 hours and 24 minutes, but the streaming version is a whittled-down 2 hours and 16 minutes.
What Went Wrong?
Fans were eagerly anticipating the OTT release of Sankranthiki Vasthunam, expecting a longer, more comprehensive version of the film. Unfortunately, that’s not what they got. The cut scenes, which were intended to enhance the pacing of the movie, were axed, much to the dismay of viewers. While the theatrical release was a rollercoaster ride, the streaming version feels truncated and lacking in depth.
What’s Been Added, Though?
On the positive side, the TV version has been a surprise hit, featuring the popular song "Godari Gattu Paina" twice, keeping the audience entertained. This out-of-the-box move has won over some fans, who are grateful for the extra musical relief.
Behind the Scenes: The Making of Sankranthiki Vasthunam
Anil Ravipudi directed and wrote the screenplay for Sankranthiki Vasthunam, which was produced by Dil Raju under Sri Venkateswara Creations. Sameer Reddy handled the cinematography, while Tammiraju was responsible for the editing. The Bheems Ceciroleo soundtrack has been well-received, and the film features a talented ensemble cast, including Aishwarya Rajesh, Sarvadaman D. Banerjee, Srinivasa Reddy, P. Sai Kumar, Upendra Limaye, Naresh, VTV Ganesh, and Srinivas Avasarala.
The Verdict: Has Sankranthiki Vasthunam Disappointed?
While the film’s theatrical success is undeniable, its OTT reception has been lukewarm, to say the least. The drastic cuts and lack of extra content have left fans underwhelmed, making it difficult for the film to live up to the initial hype. The TV version, on the other hand, has been a pleasant surprise, if only because of the additional musical numbers. So, is Sankranthiki Vasthunam worth watching? The answer lies in the acting, writing, and direction – only time will tell.
Your Thoughts? Have You Watched Sankranthiki Vasthunam? Share Your Reviews with Us!
What do you think of the film’s OTT performance? Did you enjoy the TV version’s surprise additions? Let us know your thoughts and give us your verdict on Sankranthiki Vasthunam’s worth as an OTT release.

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