8 Vasanthalu

The film presents a gentle mix of fresh ideas and a few that feel a touch outdated, all woven into a story that settles somewhere between earnest and uneven. While the intention behind the screenplay is admirable-leaning into poetic and philosophical tones-it doesn't always manage to draw the viewer in, occasionally drifting into still waters of monotony.

Several scenes and characters feel more ornamental than essential, and a certain fight sequence feels oddly misplaced in what is otherwise a romantic drama. The emotional intensity is heightened through a series of tragic departures, but their frequency begins to feel more manufactured than moving.

The Kashmir sequence and the interval scene stand tall as moments of genuine cinematic beauty. The background score attempts to stir the soul, though it sometimes veers into distraction rather than depth.

Ananthika delivers a few heartfelt moments, but much of the supporting cast seems to echo the rhythm of television melodrama. A few casting choices leave one wondering if they truly served the story.

Phanindra's direction sparkles briefly in places, though it doesn't hold a steady course throughout. The visual palette of the film is lovely-the locations are picturesque, the art direction and costumes are well-crafted, and the makeup is pleasing to the eye. The cinematography deserves a special mention for its richness, though the abundance of close-up shots feels a bit overindulgent at times.

Among the songs, one manages to linger pleasantly, while the rest pass without leaving much trace.

In all, the film has its moments of grace, but struggles to sustain them fully.

"8 Vasanthalu" is a beautiful and evocative film that captures the emotional essence of life through eight distinct chapters-each representing a different phase, emotion, or season of human experience. It is a heartwarming and heart-wrenching anthology that stays with you long after the credits roll.

The direction is visually poetic, with each story painted in its own unique color palette, tone, and emotional depth. The transitions between stories are seamless, and each tale adds a new layer of understanding to the central theme-how fleeting and fragile yet meaningful life and love can be.

The performances are consistently strong. The ensemble cast delivers with raw authenticity-especially in the third and sixth segments, which are emotionally devastating and powerfully acted. The music, composed by an underrated genius, elevates the storytelling with soulful background scores and meaningful lyrics.

The movie started on a strong female charecter pratoganist Shruthi Ayodhya a strong brave , courageous women devoted to her passion and family, through the course of storyline it actually feels like the injustice to the main character but the climax it says it all "Someone's trash is others treasure" , it shows the dignity and responsibilities that women holds through the her life choices her responsibilities. Climax even justifies the title " 8 Vasantalu " ,every dialogue in this movies resonates to atleast one incident women goes through in her life it captured something many people fail to do these days in these kind of love stories that is a positive side of failures , "moving on " phase of love incredibly shown

Also I personally felt even though the film was incredible it somewhere fed to the view of no matter how capable women are they always need be portrayed in a certain traditional way of course it was a film and that was all the charecter was about but yea seeing if from a different perspective , since it was a strong female charecter who is a writer justified the asthetics of the charecter This movie lands on a very important lesson that is --- We measure years by days 1 year is 365 days but measure your life by experiences that shape you into a better version of yourself.

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 Narsetti just made a modern Geethanjali, and I felt my soul leave my body, not only because of the beautiful visuals but also 'cause of the dialogues, the characters, and the writing. Pure bliss. Beautiful to the core.

The whole "Goddess in You" dialogue is one of the greatest ever. Not only for the words, but also for the way it unfolds, the way the rushy background score lifting the whole sequence, and the way the goddess herself delivers it. Exactly my thoughts and if I ever make a film, this would be it, if you hadn't already made it. Imagine thinking of Geethanjali half half through the first half and the music cassette of it appearing not just once but twice on screen. I got so excited.

There are so many dialogues I want to quote here, the ones that moved me, resonated/connected with me, but doing that would make this review the whole script of 8 Vasantalu. Also, I tried remembering the dialogues exactly, while watching, but before I could finish processing one, another would arrive, and then another, and another. I can understand the depth of each dialogue and I also understand that they could only come from life experiences, both bad and good. Beautiful feels like a small word. Maybe I'll quote them one by one through my 10 rewatches in theatres.

Only my sister and an ex-online-friend know how much I hate using both social media and a phone. I'm glad that I was able to leave social media forever, 2 years ago, and I wish I could get rid of the phone entirely too in the next few years as I was hoping since long time. Loved how the goddess in this movie is exactly like me, especially in this topic. That's one of the many reasons that helped me connect with the character.

This was one of my most awaited films, right after Salaar 2 and OG. I've been literally thinking about this movie every single day since I watched that very first teaser. As I stopped (a few months ago) watching the trailers before watching any movie, even the ones with my most favourite filmmakers, I managed to do that to this film too despite this being one of my most awaited films. I'm down so bad for this, that I preferred to watch this first than one of my most favourite director's comeback film which is releasing the same day (ofc I didn't watch the trailer of it too).

And despite all the waiting, all the excitement, and all the expectations on this film, I absolutely loved it and I could even say that it surpassed my peak expectations. I had already listened to Andhamaa song 30+ times since it's release, and even though Parichayamila dropped just a couple of days ago, I already played it 20+ times. Given that how much I loved that song and the lyrics of it, nothing prepared me for how much I would cry, for how beautiful it would feel on screen, both visually and emotionally. The moment I saw that guy in the white T-shirt at the start with his face hidden, I knew what was coming.

And omg, here comes the beatifulllestttt last act. I don't even know the words to describe it properly. All I can say is that I resonated with it so much, as I absolutely love travelling and all. That says about why Charlie (2015) is on my all time favourites list since a long time. Speaking of that act, there's this one dialogue which goes "I've been a guide here for 3 three months, but only now I've felt the love Shah Jahan had for Mumtaz". And just like that, my soul left my body again. And also the way the title "8 Vasantalu" unfolds is too damn good. That's the actual twist to me.

Thank you Phanindra Narsetti for pushing me forward in my life and in my dream. Love You. Forever. Love this film. Forever.