After a six-year break since his cult indie film Manu, director Phanindra Narsetti is back with 8 Vasantalu—a soulful journey that explores love, identity, and resilience through the eyes of a woman. With the film set to release on 20 June, we caught up with the filmmaker for an intimate chat about the heart behind the story, casting the perfect lead, and what makes this film so deeply personal.
You’ve taken your time since Manu. What made 8 Vasanthalu worth the wait?
Some stories need to simmer, Phanindra says thoughtfully. I worked on a few scripts, but this one felt important. Writing from a woman’s perspective, understanding her emotional world—I didn’t want to rush that. It wasn’t just about writing lines. It was about seeing the world through her eyes.
What inspired you to tell a story from a female point of view?
I was raised around strong women—my grandmothers, my aunts, women who carried strength in quiet ways. That perspective stayed with me. With 8 Vasanthalu, I finally felt ready to express it fully.
Ananthika Sunil Kumar leads the film. What made her right for the role?
She’s not just an actress; she’s an artist. She knows martial arts, dances beautifully, and speaks fluent Telugu. She brought grace and power to the role of Shuddhi Ayodhya. I had no doubts—she was meant for this part.
The trailer has poetic dialogues. Will that connect with today’s audience?
I think so. We’ve not used classical or difficult language. The characters are writers—it’s natural for them to speak expressively. There’s a line in the film: ‘Love isn’t a destination; it’s a journey.’ It’s simple, yet thoughtful. I believe cinema can make audiences fall in love with language again.
What can viewers expect beyond the love story?
It’s the story of a woman who holds on to her dignity, no matter what life throws at her. We explore two phases of love—at 19 and at 27—and the emotional maturity that comes with time. There’s also a glimpse into the traditional teacher-disciple relationship, and how she grows through the people around her.
What inspired the emotional depth of her character?
Strong women—real or imagined. They’re everywhere if we choose to see them.
The visuals are stunning. Where did you shoot?
We travelled across India—Kashmir, Kanyakumari, Ooty, Agra. Each location added to the story. My cinematographer, Vishwanath (who also worked on Manu), captured it beautifully.
From indie cinema to a big production house—how does it feel?
It’s been a journey. Manu was completely independent, while 8 Vasantalu is with one of India’s biggest studios—Mythri Movie Makers. Both experiences have taught me so much. I’ll reflect after this release and then choose the next step.
Final thoughts?
I just hope the audience connects with the film and sees a bit of themselves in it. That’s what cinema is for.
