8 Vasantalu Review : Doesn’t Realize Its True Potential

8 Vasantalu is backed by Mythri Movie Makes, the banner behind last year’s huge blockbuster, Pushpa 2. For a banner known exclusively for commercial entertainers, 8 Vasantalu is an art film offering. What is the film like? Let’s find out.

Telugu Funda’s reveal of the Plot:

In the misty embrace of Ooty’s rolling hills, Shuddhi Ayodhya, a spirited and self-reliant soul (played by Ananthika Sanilkumar), weaves her destiny with an NRI lad from the USA, who arrives with his family. Yet, fate’s capricious hand unravels their bond, casting them apart under shadows of unforeseen trials. Undaunted, Shuddhi forges ahead, her heart alight once more, this time enticed by Sanjay, a Telugu novelist whose words weave tapestries of emotion.

Telugu Funda’s take on the Performances:

1. Ananthika: The MAD actress may be in her late teens but her performance is not amateurish. Her acting would have seemed better had her character been a little girl-next-door type.
2. Hanu Reddy: He is tall and Varun Tej-like in the role of the affluent NRI. When he breaks down, he evokes sympathy.
3. Ravi Theja Duggirala, Kanna Pasunoori: The former plays the Telugu novelist, while the latter plays Shuddhi’s all-weather friend with his own dreams. Ravi looks too frozen for his character. Kanna is promising.
4. Others: Sanjana Hardageri plays Shuddhi’s friend. The artist who is seen as Shuddhi’s mother is Swaraj Rebbapragada.

Telugu Funda’s take on Technical Output:

1. Hesham Abdul Wahab’s background score is generic. Many scenes are watered down by his conventional score. The songs, though, prove to be the music lover’s delight.
2. Vishwanath Reddy’s cinematography is average. He has previously shot Gaami, the acclaimed Vishwak Sen movie.
3. The production values are not up to the mark. Nowhere does 8 Vasantalu feel like it was funded by Mythri Movie Makers from the start. It’s also unclear if the movie was really shot in the post-pandemic era. Shot-making and other aspects have undergone a makeover in recent years, something the film doesn’t have anything to show.

Telugu Funda’s take on the Merits:

The storyline has weight. There is something for friends, something for women, something for heartbroken lovers, and something for those who want to develop passions like martial arts and music.

The female lead is a thoughtful character written with genuine respect for women. Although some lines sound too preachy and old-fashioned, the overall intent is worthy of appreciation.

If you are a fan of low-stakes art films with some conventional writing, 8 Vasantalu will satisfy you.

Telugu Funda’s take on the Demerits:

The pacing issues are as stubborn as the sombre mood the film wants to convey throughout. The second half, especially, can test your patience.

The use of music, poetic language and feel-good moments is overwhelming after a point. While they are tasteful, they look affected. The broad treatment doesn’t belong to today’s times. Director Phanindra Narsetti should have come up with a trendy cinematic idiom while retaining those elements.

Shuddhi Ayodhya comes across as overly emotional. She has had her emotional issues, she is a writer and she feels women are goddesses but that doesn’t mean she must look inaccessible.

Telugu Funda’s Verdict:

8 Vasantalu is an ambitious, albeit largely unsuccessful, foray into art cinema. While its meaningful storyline and respectful portrayal of its female lead offer glimmers of potential, the film is hampered by stubborn pacing issues, an overly somber mood, and an outdated cinematic idiom.

Rating: 2.25/5

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