
8 Vasantalu Review and Rating: A Poetic Tale That Fades in the Second Half
Introduction:
“8 Vasantalu,” directed by Phanindra Narsetti, marks his return to feature films after Manu. Let’s see how film is
Story:
Shuddhi Ayodhya (Ananthika) is a confident and independent woman who falls in love with an NRI during his visit to Ooty. Their relationship doesn’t last due to unforeseen reasons. Later, Shuddhi meets Sanjay, a Telugu poet and writer, and love blossoms again. The film explores how this second love story unfolds, revealing Sanjay’s backstory and how it intertwines with Shuddhi’s emotional journey.
Performances:
Ananthika Sanilkumar is the heart of the film. Her expressive eyes, screen presence, and mature portrayal of Shuddhi add depth to the character. Hanu Reddy, as the charming NRI, also delivers a convincing performance, especially in emotional scenes. However, Ravitheja Duggirala, who plays Sanjay, appears miscast. His limited acting skills and dialogue delivery dilute the emotional intensity of the second half. Supporting cast, especially the actress who plays Shuddhi’s mother, fails to leave an impact.
Technical Aspects:
Music: Hesham Abdul Wahab’s songs and background score, especially in the Kashmir segment, elevate the emotional moments.
Cinematography: Vishwanath Reddy’s visuals, capturing Ooty, Kashmir, and Varanasi, are a treat to the eyes.
Editing: The film needed tighter editing, particularly in the second half.
Production Values: While the first half looks polished, the second half feels more like a television soap due to limited sets and weaker execution.
Analysis:
“8 Vasantalu” touches upon relatable themes like heartbreak, self-discovery, and second chances. The first half has good chemistry between the lead pair and meaningful dialogues. However, the second half falters due to inconsistent character development. For instance, Shuddhi, who is portrayed as strong-willed in the beginning, surprisingly gives up easily later. Her mother’s character also shifts from supportive to stereotypical without a clear reason.
Another major drawback is the casting of Ravitheja Duggirala. His role is central, but his performance lacks the depth needed. The dialogues, although poetic, sometimes feel over-the-top and disconnected from reality. At times, the film sounds more like a lecture than a love story.
Verdict:
“8 Vasantalu” starts strong but cannot maintain its emotional rhythm. A well-acted and visually pleasing first half raises hopes, but the film is let down by poor casting, uneven writing, and melodramatic storytelling in the latter part. It shines in parts but doesn’t deliver a complete cinematic experience.
Rating: 2/5
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