8 A.M. Metro

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*8 A.M. Metro* (2023), directed by Raj Rachakonda, is a poetic exploration of platonic companionship, drawing heavily from the rich metaphors and symbolism found in Gulzar’s poetry. The film tells the story of Iravati (Saiyami Kher), a homemaker from Nanded, who faces a deep-seated fear of train travel due to a past trauma. To support her pregnant sister, Riya (Nimisha Nair), Iravati gathers the courage to travel to Hyderabad, though her journey is fraught with physical and emotional challenges. After a fainting episode, she meets Pritam (Gulshan Devaiah) in the metro, and the two begin an unlikely friendship, meeting during their daily commutes. Their relationship is devoid of romantic tension, instead becoming a thoughtful exchange of dreams, insecurities, and reflections on life.

The film’s strength lies in its use of Gulzar’s poetry, which serves as a reflection of the characters' experiences. Iravati, a poet herself, writes to make sense of her life, and Gulzar’s commissioned verses perfectly capture the emotional undercurrents of her journey. His poetry becomes almost a character in itself, elevating the narrative. The delicate handling of man-woman relationships also adds depth, as the film suggests that men and women can form meaningful friendships devoid of romantic or sexual undertones, as long as boundaries are respected.

Saiyami Kher delivers a nuanced performance, gradually capturing the complexity of Iravati's vulnerabilities and small victories. Her growth as a performer is evident, especially in the way she emotionally connects with the poetry and the subtle evolution of her character. Gulshan Devaiah, while occasionally going a bit over-the-top towards the film's climax, portrays Pritam with a quiet dignity, adding layers of grief and quiet suffering beneath his calm exterior. The two actors’ chemistry forms the heart of the film, creating a space for thoughtful dialogue and introspection.

Despite strong performances, *8 A.M. Metro* does suffer from pacing issues, with its 162-minute runtime feeling unnecessarily long. A tighter edit would have improved the overall impact, but the lyrical beauty of the narrative and the emotional depth of the characters keep the viewer engaged. Supporting performances from Nimisha Nair and Kalpika Ganesh add to the film’s emotional complexity, though their roles are more limited.

Overall, *8 A.M. Metro* is a poetic and introspective film that uses Gulzar’s timeless poetry to explore the potential for deep, non-romantic connections between strangers. While it could have benefitted from a more concise runtime, the film’s reflective mood and stellar performances make it a unique and touching cinematic experience.