Director Tharun Bhascker’s next film as an actor is Om Shanti Shanti Shantihi, which stars Eesha Rebba as the female lead and is set to release in theatres on January 30, 2026. During the film’s promotions, Tharun Bhascker spoke about one of his long-awaited projects.
Back in 2019, Tharun had planned a film titled Deccan Derby with Victory Venkatesh, based on a horse race gambler, and though Suresh Babu approved the idea, the project did not take off.
Speaking about it now, Tharun clarified that he himself had put the project on hold, stating that he needed to work more on the screenplay, especially the second half, while also citing the film’s technical scale as a reason. He added that the story is still relevant and mentioned that he is currently reworking the script.
When asked about when the film would go on floors, Tharun said it could happen either this year or later, adding that the project now entirely depends on him. Venky fans are eagerly waiting, and if the film materialises, it will mark Tharun Bhascker’s first directorial venture with a star hero in the lead.
Meanwhile, Venkatesh is busy with Adarsha Kutumbham under Trivikram’s direction and has the Sankranthiki Vasthunam sequel, along with another potential collaboration with Anil Ravipudi, in the pipeline.