Movie Name : 8 Vasantalu
Release Date : June 20, 2025
123telugu.com Rating : 2.5/5
Starring : Ananthika Sanilkumar, Ravi Duggirala, Hanu Reddy, Kanna Pasunoori & Others.
Director : Phanindra Narsetti
Producers : Naveen Yerneni & Y Ravi Shankar
Music Director : Hesham Abdul Wahab
Cinematographer : Vishwanath Reddy
Editor : Shashank Mali
Related Links : Trailer
8 Vasantalu is the latest Telugu release featuring MAD fame Ananthika Sanilkumar in the lead. Directed by Phanindra Narsetti, the film hit the big screens today. Check out our review to know how it is.
Story:
Suddhi Ayodhya (Ananthika Sanilkumar) is a 17-year-old girl living in Ooty. She’s a dojo champ, an aspiring writer, and a free-spirited soul. Her life takes a new turn when Karthik (Hanu Reddy) enters her world. What follows is an emotional and philosophical journey that spans eight years, exploring love, heartbreak, self-discovery, and personal growth.
Plus Points:
Ananthika Sanilkumar delivers a standout performance in a role filled with emotional depth and complexity. Despite being just 17 when she signed the film, she portrays Suddhi with striking maturity. Her expressive eyes, graceful presence, and natural charm leave a lasting impression.
Hanu Reddy brings a likable energy to his role. His chemistry with Ananthika feels genuine, and their scenes together, especially around the interval, carry strong emotional weight.
Visually, the film is stunning. The cinematography beautifully captures the calm beauty of Ooty, the spiritual atmosphere of Varanasi, and the scenic charm of Kashmir. These locations are not just visual treats, they also enhance the mood and tone of the story.
Hesham Abdul Wahab’s music is another highlight. A couple of songs stand out for their melody and blend smoothly into the storytelling. The combination of visuals and music adds a poetic rhythm that enhances the emotional pull in several scenes.
Minus Points:
While the story has heart, the narration suffers due to its slow pace and overly poetic style. The first half, although leisurely, builds some intrigue. However, the second half loses grip, becoming too abstract and emotionally distant.
Suddhi’s character is strong in the beginning, but after her heartbreak, her choices feel inconsistent. For someone portrayed as bold and expressive, it’s surprising to see her simply agree to her mother’s decision without much resistance. A more assertive and emotionally grounded arc would have made her journey more impactful.
Ravi Duggirala appears in the latter part of the film, but his character feels disconnected from the main plot. His backstory, revealed through a heartfelt letter, is emotionally compelling, but aside from that, his role lacks depth and presence.
Several supporting characters are introduced, but most fail to leave a mark. For example, Suddhi’s close male friend starts off well but suddenly exits the story as he leaves for Tokyo to follow his dreams. His arc had the potential to reflect relatable youth struggles, but it ends up feeling incomplete.
At times, the film becomes preachy and leans too heavily into abstract thought. Some of the well-written scenes get lost in the overall slow and symbolic narration, making it hard for viewers to stay emotionally connected.
Technical Aspects:
Phanindra Narsetti has a unique storytelling voice and a clear artistic vision. However, the execution feels indulgent, and the emotional connection is missing. Vishwanth Reddy’s visuals are a major strength, capturing the beauty of the locations with finesse.
Editing by Shashank Mali could have been tighter. Many scenes in the second half needed trimming to keep the momentum going. Hesham Abdul Wahab’s music adds a lovely emotional layer throughout. The production values are solid and help the film look rich and polished.
Verdict:
On the whole, 8 Vasantalu is a film with honest intentions and a few emotionally resonant moments, but it ultimately falls short due to its slow pace and abstract, poetic narration. While Ananthika Sanilkumar delivers a heartfelt performance and a few scenes strike the right chord, the storytelling lacks grip and consistency. With a narrative that feels more indulgent than engaging, the film becomes difficult to sit through. If you choose to watch it, go in with lowered expectations and a lot of patience.
123telugu.com Rating: 2.5/5
Reviewed by 123telugu Team