She Who Stands Unshaken
Shuddhi Ayodhya: The heart and soul of a masterpiece called ‘8 Vasanthalu’. She’s no less than Sita from Ayodhya: for her kindness, compassion, and commitment. Her journey from a teenage Wing Chun student to a renowned writer known for her deep and thought-provoking works is truly inspiring. Unlike other movies where a heroine is a mere damsel, this movie unveils an amazing way of portraying a female character—indeed, as a protagonist.
Although she is too pure for a man too proud, she still had her soul intact. The way she bounces back like a legend after a heartbreak, and how she immerses herself in her passions again is amazing. She is no less than a warrior—not just because she was fighting an inner-storm herself, but also because she helps her friend selflessly who struggles to follow his passion of becoming a shoe designer and wants to intern at a Japanese shoe company. She not only overcomes her own struggles but also lends a hand to her friend, who was mounting a weak defense.
Her commitment and her love for her Guru who taught her Judo was evident when she came ready to offer her hair in order to fulfill the Hindu customs to perform his cremation which is not supposed to be done by women. Although she didn’t have to shave her head cause the people around let her perform the cremation process impressed by her commitment, but her willingness to do so for her teacher out of love and respect was heroic.
The way her personality transforms a silent lover like Sanjay (SL) from a mere judo player who was fond of action films into a famous writer known for his moving biopic of a sex worker is remarkable. He struggles hard to become a match for her because, when he saw her for the first time, she appeared to come from a well-to-do family—though she was raised by her mother alone after her father passed away while serving in the army. When SL comes to meet Shuddhi on her birthday the following year, he cannot express his feelings for Shuddhi because he’s heartbroken at the sight of Shuddhi hugging Varun, who was sitting in his car, ready to leave. Little did she know was that Varun prioritized his selfish motives over her.
However, Sanjay’s entry into the story is definitely a boon to the audience. Although the climax is a little shaky, the ending is ecstatic as the second lead and Shuddhi exchange their feelings for each other, and the story concludes.
Shuddhi is an epitome of empowerment and embodies a truly inspiring personality cause the way she channelled her mourning of her father’s death and all the pain after a miserable heartbreak and put it into something exquisite like writing is commendable. Unlike the youth today who would think of ending their lives for minuscule matters, she stood like a light amidst a storm of agony.
