Oh! Baby

Story:

Oh! Baby, a Telugu-language fantasy comedy film directed by B. V. Nandini Reddy, graced the screens in 2019 with Samantha Ruth Prabhu and Lakshmi in the lead roles. Serving as a remake of the 2014 South Korean film Miss Granny, the story revolves around an elderly woman, portrayed by Lakshmi, who mysteriously transforms into her 24-year-old self, played by Samantha, after having her photo taken at a peculiar studio.

The ensemble cast includes Naga Shaurya, Rajendra Prasad, Rao Ramesh, and Sajja Teja, with Mickey J. Meyer handling the musical composition. Commencing its principal photography in December 2018, the film hit theaters on July 5, 2019, garnering positive reviews and acclaim for Samantha’s performance. It proved to be a commercial success, sparking discussions about a remake titled Jabudani in development by Sajid Nadiadwala.

The narrative unfolds with Lecturer Shekhar, played by Nani, providing insights into the behavior of elderly individuals while sharing the story of his mother, Baby. Baby, portrayed by Lakshmi, runs a canteen co-owned by her childhood friend Chanti. Despite having dreams of becoming a singer in her youth, Baby’s aspirations take a back seat as she hopes for her grandson Rocky to fulfill her unfulfilled dream. Strained relations with her daughter-in-law Madhavi exacerbate when Madhavi suffers a heart attack and desires to live separately. Even medical professionals endorse this decision.

Heartbroken, Baby leaves her home, feeling abandoned by fate. During her journey, Rocky calls her for his music performance, leading to a divine intervention. God, appearing as a saint, gifts her a statue of Lord Ganesha, foretelling a change in her destiny. Seeking a beautiful photograph for her eventual obituary, Baby enters a photo studio. The photographer promises to restore her beauty through the picture, and miraculously, she transforms into her 24-year-old self.

Bewildered yet rejuvenated, Baby, now Swathi, embarks on a new life in Chanti’s house, joining forces with Rocky’s band. As the story unfolds, romantic elements surface with Vikram, the head of a music company, taking an interest in Swathi. Meanwhile, Chanti discovers Swathi’s true identity and becomes her unwavering support. Challenges arise when Vikram proposes to Swathi, prompting a dichotomy.

In the climax, Rocky faces an accident on the day of the music competition, but Baby triumphs, leaving a heartfelt letter for Vikram. Rushing to the hospital, she discovers Rocky’s need for AB-type blood. Despite objections from Chanti and Nani, Baby selflessly donates blood, reverting to her elderly self. The film concludes with Baby’s family realizing her worth, and she, in turn, becomes more amicable towards them.

The film’s promotional journey included the release of Samantha Akkineni’s first look on May 21, 2019, followed by the teaser on May 25. The official theatrical trailer, released on June 20 by Suresh Productions, heightened anticipation. The film was initially slated for release on July 5, 2019, along with its Tamil dubbed version. However, it premiered a day earlier in Kuwait and the United States on July 4. Netflix served as the official streaming partner for Oh! Baby, adding to its accessibility for a wider audience.