8 Vasanthalu

Firstly, this is the most visually STUNNING film in recent times. Not even big budget films of tollywood usually look this beautiful. I'm a photographer and I kept smiling throughout the film thinking how beautiful the light, color harmony and composition are. Andhama song is peak in terms of capturing beauty and blending it with soulful music. I can only imagine how much thought, skill and effort went into creating those frames.

Secondly, music by Hesham complemented the visuals so wonderfully. I'm glad Phanindra preferred him over others. The costumes were also beautiful; someone in the team really understands how colors work.

Thirdly, the actors are fantastic. It's ironic to say this, since the film talks about seeing beyond beauty, but Anantika and the first actor look so good together. Their performances were very natural and they have attractive smile. The second actor who comes in later half, shines in the climax but his styling (makeup and hairstyle) was off.

Finally, I think this movie was wrongly promoted as an "art film," because it is not. It looks and feels artistic, but when people think of an art film, they expect dead slow scenes with focus on abstract ideas which don't cater to the masses, but this is not such film. It is very approachable, with love story that's easy to enjoy by majority of the people.

The second half, post Kasi episode, felt a bit off. I didn't feel a connection between leads, especially in contrast to how well "the butterflies in the stomach and longing in a relationship" was captured in the first half. I felt there should have been more scenes to establish connection instead of relying solely on the montage sequences in Parichayamila song, which is magnetic and visually charming. The second half felt a bit rushed and convenient without much drama. On paper, the scenes may appear like they have dramatic highs and lows, but it didn't translate well onto the screen.

The film bounced back in the end and gave a satisfying closure. However, I keep thinking how much more effective it would have been if there were more (well written) scenes between the leads in the second half. Nevertheless, it is a good film overall, and great effort by Phanindra. I'm a fan of his way of thinking and unique voice, so would love to see more films from him.

Phanindra Narisetti (PN), remember the name !

In the lines of Forest Gump & Shawshank Redemption, the 2 movies which has struck the deepest chords in me, comes 8 vasanthalu.

8V is a poetry in motion, handling the most sensitive emotions/aspects of life with finesse. I have never seen any other movie managing to address the shades of death and love so magnificently.

Watch 8V to purify your soul, to feel optimistic, to add meaning and to ever stay beautiful in life. Hats off Phanindra Narisetti, cannot wait to see your others works and future creations.

Last but not the least, PN gets his casting spot on and the lead characters add so much depth and life to the well crafted dialogues.

"8 Vasanthalu" is more than just a film - it's a soft, poetic reflection of what love means in today's world. It gently unpacks the idea that love isn't about holding on tightly, but about how deeply we grow, change, and understand ourselves through it. The movie doesn't glorify perfect relationships, but instead shows how we unknowingly hurt some people and unknowingly heal others. And that's life - complex, bittersweet, and full of lessons.

Every scene made me pause, reflect, and realize: I don't want to carry anger or regrets. I don't want to live with what-ifs or wounds I keep reopening. I want to let go, not out of weakness, but with the quiet strength of someone who chooses peace.

This film reminded me to respect people's personal choices, and to never force a love that's meant to flow freely. I hold no grudges for my life - just gratitude for how far I've come.

I want to move forward now - with kindness, with dignity, and with a heart that still believes in love... the kind that transforms, not just stays.

8-Vasanthalu feels less like a traditional movie and more like reading a novel, especially one that explores the inner emotional lives of its characters. It doesn't just focus on external events but delves deep into the thoughts and psychological layers of the people we see on screen. That makes it a thoughtful and ambitious piece of cinema.

The director's unique style, strongly seen in the film Manu, is still present here, especially in the first half. The visuals, the pacing, and the use of silence carry his signature. However, For a female-centric narrative and a change in genre, the emotional connection with the audience feels more distant.

Visually, the film is rich and striking. Every frame looks like a carefully composed painting. But while the visuals are beautiful, they don't always serve the emotional or narrative flow effectively. The storytelling lacks a certain rhythm, which makes it harder for the audience to stay emotionally engaged with the characters. We know what they are going on, but we cannot able to feel the Pain or Joy in them.

One noticeable issue is the emotional similarity across all characters. Despite having different professional backgrounds and ethical viewpoints, the characters seem to share the same emotional tone and inner voice. This could be because the writer appears too deeply involved in each character's mind, resulting in dialogue and emotional responses that feel too alike. This weakens the sense of realism and individuality.

The music, while well-composed in parts, sometimes feels too loud or dramatic in scenes that would have benefited from quiet or subtle scoring. In certain places, silence could have spoken louder. Some dialogues and performances also feel a bit forced or philosophical, resembling lines from a self-help book more than organic conversations.

The film also struggles in how it handles major emotional shifts. Characters make big decisions quickly and with little emotional buildup, which makes it hard for the audience to fully understand or feel the weight behind those choices. Suddhi's arc feels almost short and fast, that we cannot actually know her deepest feelings and there is still a distance between the viewer and her. The first boyfriend's character undergoes a sudden and jarring transformation, while the second boyfriend is mostly revealed through narration rather than action. His presence is soothing in tone, but it lacks the emotional depth to leave a lasting impression.

Ultimately, this film feels like a sincere creative experiment. It is more concerned with internal reflection and artistic expression than straightforward storytelling. But in doing so, it risks alienating viewers. Just as someone used to familiar South Indian cuisine might find the taste of European food unfamiliar and distant, viewers may find the tone and structure of this film difficult to connect with at this moment. It attempts to carve a unique of storytelling and visual expression. However, with stronger grounding, maybe slowly it will resonate with everyone.

8 Vasantalu is a film about life, love, and loss.

One gave up love for his dream, another one turned love into his dream & reached her - It's everyone's story

Ananthika Sanilkumar delivers a sincere and graceful performance, adding depth and innocence to Shuddhi's journey.

The dialogues and cinematography are truly top-notch every frame is a poetic. While the storytelling is artistic and deep. But in second half it lacks somewhere.