8 Vasanthalu

This was charming, dull and redundant at times and walks aimlessly at times (a good 20 mins could be cut) - but overall was a good, clean watch. One perfect for a lazy afternoon watch.

The highlight of the movie is the score and cinematography! Both are top notch, and this elevates a rather mundane story to something which makes it interesting - giving totally a new dimension to it!

The acting was good - especially the lead - she had tried valiantly.

Now personally - what stopped me from giving a higher rating are : -

• Direction: some of the elements and initial 20 - 30 mins and even the brief actions segments could have been either trimmed or taken with more passion (some of these sequences were laughably bad)

• Editing: There is lot of fluff in the movie - I dont mind slow burners or movies that flow gracefully like a river rather than gush like a thriller or action - but here, story picks up pace in between and then slows - this personally disconnected me - made me skip through the slow bits!

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.

First half is good Second half didn't engage me Visuals are beautiful Score enhances the mood Dialogues are good,though a bit over at times Casting isn't perfect Lead actress performs well

Story : After losing her army father, writer/martial artist Shuddhi grows up in Ooty with her mother. She channels grief through writing, then experiences love and heartbreak with Varun, leading to personal transformation. After losing her army father, writer/martial artist Shuddhi grows up in Ooty with her mother. She channels grief through writing, then experiences love and heartbreak with Varun, leading to personal transformation.

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.