8 A.M. Metro

Heartfelt movie with great dialogues. Superb acting. Loved it. Did not expect it to be this good. The lead actress was so beautiful and her acting is captivating. The way she carried the whole story was mesmerising to watch. However, the best part was when the story takes a turn and suddenly the whole thing shifts into something different and though provoking for sure. I wonder what I might have done in that situation. This movie made me eager to read books. The joy these characters found in reading is something I started craving as well. The character development was amazing. I began to care so much and am really glad to have watched it.

#8amMetro Such a feel good and positive movie I watched after long time kudos to @gulshandevaiah and #sayami for brining the life to preetam and iravati.

Script with its twists awakens one's subtle emotions...acting penetrates the soul...very hard to find these days!

The film was an absolutely joy in its celebration of the mundane, of commonness, of the unpredictable sources of unconditional understanding that still makes us hopeful. Sprinkled all over with the beautiful poetry by Gulzaar saab. So many times I wanted to rewind back so that I could hear the poem once again.

This story is about the many faces of love. Our society burdens love. There are layers and layers of prescription on what, whom and how to love, what is acceptable, pre-fabricated expectations just like schooling, what to become in life, the successful images of a happy family where everything fits into pre-existing slots. The relationships become so stretched, subjected to litmus tests over and over again, that the radiation harms more than the disease, that it continuously snaps at the seams, resembling a worn out sheet, patched several times over. And worse still, it undermines friendship. Once married, that role assigns and dominates the place of all other relationships.

This movie is a poignant exploration of the complexities of mental health, friendship, and the struggle with suicidal thoughts. The movie delicately navigates the journey of its characters as they grapple with panic attacks and the weight of their own emotions. What sets this film apart is its sincere portrayal of how genuine connections and support from friends can offer a lifeline in the darkest of times. Through heartfelt performances and a compelling narrative, this reminds us of the power of compassion and understanding in the face of mental health challenges. It's a touching reminder that no one is ever truly alone, and that reaching out for help can make all the difference.

This movie is not for all types of audiences since it deals with two trauma stricken persons who meet and discuss their personal problems with each other over cups of coffee and have endless conversation as they take long walks. Iravati a mother of two has come to look after her pregnant niece in hospital. Preetam an office goer has a wife and two children. They meet at the train station and develop a friendship. Both are have their own trauma to deal with, are withdrawn, introverted, sad, pensive, bitter and nothing seems to be going well in their lives. They find relief and happiness in each other's company while discussing general problems of life. Some among the audience may find viewing this movie a moving and a therapeutic experience.

Director Raj Rachakonda has a serious subject at hand and his two main characters have sorrowful and gloomy expressions for most of duration because they have been through a lot of bad experiences in life. There are bits of dialogue which are motivational in nature and there is a message for all like he tells her to do deep breathing when she has a panic/ anxiety attack, she tells him to talk to a colleague to cheer him up, he wants to attend a cremation to atone for his faults, both dance in the rain for a few happy moments etc etc. There are a few light moments but the overall mood is of stress and distress. Both Gulshan Devaiah and Saiyani Kher have given fine performances.

8am Metro is a simple yet not for everyone film. It's slow and completely conversation driven. A lady named Iravati who is afraid of travelling in trains and also has some issues in life but loves writing poems stumbled upon a stranger played by Gulshan at a metro station in Hyderabad. They slowly get into a conversation and with similar likings , they soon become friends. These simple yet sweet conversations lead to individual characters discovering something about themselves especially Iravati. Gulshan even tried helping her overcome her fears . What ultimately happens at the end of these conversations is the plot .

It doesn't have a massive plot in it but through conversations, you get to learn so much. Theirs so much outside married life and sometimes, friendship with such stranger can definitely help you slightly get a relief from your hectic dysfunctional married life. The film very nicely does not promote affairs but simple friendship between opposite sexes and that it can exist definitely even if we are married. What iravatis husband could not do, a friend does it for her. Iravati too has a lot to offer for Gulshan .

But who is the man Gulshan is playing? That's the climax of the film that is enacted so brilliantly by Gulshan that you literally have tears in your eyes . The climax again proved that people often find solace in sweet friendships to forget tragedies in life but how do they live when these friendships break ?

There are some really nice poems to listen and nice songs. The one that Vishal Mishra sings in the climax when Gulshan breaks into tears literally can make a weak hearted man cry . It's so brilliantly executed .

Saiyami kher plays this character Iravati so brilliantly. Her character is mature and very well written. Even better is Gulshan's character. I sometimes feel , why men hide their pain just to give happiness and solace to a stranger woman? As i said, the climax he plays brilliantly.

Overall, i know this film won't be watched by many in theatres but when it comes on ott please do give it a watch as such films have become such a rarity that when one such comes out, it might have flaws but you just can't see them .