Eighth Hill - A Sacred Revolution: Tirupati's Dream without Plastic(2025)
Deep in the sacred Tirumala Hills, where millions walk in devotion, one man walks with a different purpose. This documentary introduces Shivaji Paleti - an unsung hero who has dedicated his life to protect the hills from plastic pollution. With bare hands and endless patience, he cleans, he preserves, and he teaches what true devotion towards Mother Earth means. His perseverance never faded away despite numerous hardships. A true modern-day warrior who led the "Plastic Free Tirupati" movement with an example, turning personal conviction into a collective awakening. The "Eighth Hill" stands as a reflection of our own atrocities. An unsettling mirror showing how what we dismiss as a single piece of trash can grow into a mountain of consequence. Through Shivaji’s story, this film explores not just environmental preservation, but the deeper meaning of responsibility, faith, and humanity’s bond with nature.
Quick Facts
- Theatrical Release
- 15 November 2025
- Director
- Vamshi Krishna Pennakoduru
- Language
- Telugu
- Runtime
- 46m
Storyline
This documentary follows Shivaji Paleti, a man dedicated to cleaning plastic pollution from the sacred Tirumala Hills. With his own hands, he cleans the area and inspires a community movement. His story shows how small acts of care can grow into a larger fight to protect the environment.
“One man's devotion cleans a sacred mountain.”
Film Details
Parental Guide
Vibe & Tags
Cast & Crew
Trivia
- The film's title refers to the seven sacred hills of Tirumala, with the 'eighth hill' being the metaphorical mountain of plastic waste created by pilgrims.
- Director Vamshi Krishna Pennakoduru reportedly lived in Tirupati for several months to document Shivaji Paleti's daily routine authentically.
- Much of the footage was captured using handheld cameras to follow the subject through narrow forest paths and steep hill slopes.
- The documentary features real, unscripted interactions between Shivaji and pilgrims he educates about plastic pollution.
- It includes archival news clips showing the growth of the 'Plastic Free Tirupati' movement over the years.
- The film's score incorporates traditional Telugu devotional music, reworked with natural sounds recorded on the hills.
- A portion of the film's proceeds is pledged to support local environmental clean-up initiatives in Tirumala.