8 AM Metro follows the story of two strangers crossing paths who strike an unlikely friendship in their process to heal and get back to life. There is a meditative vibe to the drama that does unfold like poetry gurgling its way like a river from the mountains. And the sound of the water crashing against the rocks is what makes the vibe soothing, when you are at peace with where you are in life. That feeling is beyond the realms of this world where your mind is at peace and satisfied with its journey. And this expression is translated beautifully in this drama. The screenplay standing at a shade under 2 hours does make for a compelling watch in what was a beautiful drama for most parts.

The drama does open with the introduction of one of the protagonist who is shown to be happy in her family comprising of her husband and kids. A twist of fate demands her to go and stay with her pregnant sister and this is when we are told about her phobia for trains. Soon, a chance encounter with her stranger changes her life for the better. The drama is set in Hyderabad and like every city, there is a different kind of a charm to this beautiful city. A balance between the old world and the new developing world, the texture to the drama was added by simply the setting.

It is early on indicated that poetry would form the base for the rest of the drama to follow. And almost immediately I was transported to the world of the Hindi film Kuch Bheege Alfaaz which had a similar mood to it. I have always enjoyed poetry and I did feel that it did add a lot of depth and complexity to the unfolding drama. The proceedings are tender and unhurried, something that does allow the viewers to invest in the journey of the two individuals. The drama is layered is many ways and that does add a lot of texture to it. The events and the conversations are beautiful that did transport me to a beautiful sunday afternoon with a hint of rain, a mug of coffee with a book and a pen to immersive myself in the boundaries of the universe. I did enjoy the conversations which did feel so intimate ranging from books to poetry to the philosophy of life that I did not wish to part with the duo both of whom are filled with anxiety and remorse while being broken souls.

The minor criticism that I did have about the film was related to its subplots which did work individually, while disrupting the flow of the main plot. Few things could have been left unsaid around other characters and still it wouldn’t quite have hampered the overall impact of the film. Had the focus just been on the two principal characters without indulging in conversations in the form of subplots with other characters, the impact would have been much greater. Having said that, there are several moments created that do potentially send you in a state of tranquility. And the twist at the end, although predictable was quite well intentioned and it did add a lot of weightage to the already impressive drama. Overall, the screenplay is well written and makes for a calming watch which will just make you pause in life and breathe while appreciating its beauty.