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!

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.

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.