‘8 Vasantalu’ Review: A soulful journey worth experiencing on Netflix

8 Vasantalu follows Suddhi, a free-spirited girl from Ooty, on an eight-year journey of love, heartbreak, and self-discovery, with soulful music and stunning visuals adding depth to her story

Hyderabad: Streaming now on Netflix, 8 Vasantalu is the latest Telugu release that stands apart with its heartfelt storytelling and refreshing sincerity. Directed by Phanindra Narsetti and featuring MAD fame Ananthika Sanilkumar, this coming-of-age drama gently tugs at your heartstrings with its pure emotions and poetic touch.

The story revolves around Suddhi Ayodhya (Ananthika Sanilkumar), a spirited 17-year-old from Ooty who balances life as a dojo champ and an aspiring writer. Her world turns upside down when she meets Varun (Hanu Reddy). As they navigate love, heartbreak, and self-discovery, Sanjay (Ravi Duggirala) enters the narrative, leaving a strong impact on Suddhi’s journey.

---

Spanning eight years, the film paints a beautiful picture of how people and moments shape our lives.

Ananthika Sanilkumar is truly the soul of 8 Vasantalu. She brings remarkable maturity and innocence to her role, capturing Suddhi’s inner struggles and dreams with ease. Hanu Reddy shines in his subtle yet genuine portrayal of Varun, sharing a believable chemistry with Ananthika.

Ravi Duggirala’s performance deserves a special mention. Known to many short film lovers for his unforgettable work in Madhuram, which came out 11 years ago, Ravi practically disappeared from the screens after that. But 8 Vasantalu brings him back in a role that truly does him justice. As Sanjay, Ravi proves that he still holds the spark that once made him a favourite among indie film fans.

Visually, the film is breathtaking. Cinematographer Vishwanath Reddy beautifully frames the serene landscapes of Kashmir, the spiritual aura of Varanasi, and the stunning sights of Taj Mahal, making each location feel like an emotion in itself. Hesham Abdul Wahab’s music flows seamlessly with the story, and a couple of songs linger in your mind long after the credits roll. The final moments of the film, especially the last fifteen minutes, are an emotional high point that will stay with you.

Technically, the film has a strong backbone. While Phanindra Narsetti’s vision is clear and poetic, a tighter edit in the latter half could have helped maintain the flow. Still, the film’s honest approach and soothing visuals make up for its slightly slow pace.

8 Vasantalu may not be everyone’s cup of tea, especially if you’re looking for a typical commercial entertainer. But for those craving a calm, meaningful watch with no loud fights or forced glamour, this is a silent masterpiece to enjoy at home.