One of the strengths of “Love, Sitara” is its picturesque setting. The lush greenery of a Kerala village creates a soothing atmosphere that enhances the overall experience.
Surprisingly, “Love, Sitara” begins with a quote from Leo Tolstoy’s classic, “Anna Karenina”: “All happy families are alike; each unhappy family is unhappy in its own way.” This choice of title is not only uninspired but also misleading. It doesn’t serve as a personal message from the protagonist to the audience, as one might expect.
Instead of being a plea for viewers to overlook the lead character’s flaws, the film delves into the complexities of a dysfunctional family and the lead-up to a wedding that reveals deep-seated issues. At its core, it’s about the love that exists within a family.
Sitara (Sobhita Dhulipala), an ambitious young interior designer, finds her life taking an unexpected turn when she learns she’s pregnant. In a moment of impulsiveness, she confronts her on-again, off-again partner Arjun (Rajeev Siddhartha) and proposes to him. This choice raises questions about her character—whether she’s good, bad, or simply a product of her upbringing and circumstances.
As the story unfolds in her ancestral village in Kerala, we meet her family: her straightforward grandmother, her submissive mother Latha, her charming father Govind (Sanjay Bhutiani), and her laid-back aunt Hema (Sonali Kulkarni). Initially, they appear to be a happy family, reminiscing over photo albums and sharing laughter at the dinner table. However, a closer examination reveals underlying tensions and secrets.
For instance, Sitara’s father, Govind, had a past relationship with her aunt Hema, who is currently involved with her boss. Meanwhile, Govind may also be having an affair with a co-worker, hinting at a web of complexities within the family dynamics.
Sonali Kulkarni delivers a compelling performance, adding a layer of depth to her character. She skillfully navigates the typical cool and assertive aunt stereotype, unveiling a more vulnerable and lonely side. In contrast, the male characters, particularly Rajeev Siddhartha as Arjun, feel somewhat one-dimensional. Although Arjun works as a chef, he primarily serves as a love interest without much development.
“Love, Sitara” marks Vandana Kataria’s second directorial venture, following her well-received film “Noblemen” (2018). While the filmmaker has a keen understanding of human emotions, the film sometimes leans too heavily into melodrama. I found myself drifting away during certain scenes, feeling indifferent about the fate of Sitara and her family. Ultimately, some films end up feeling neither particularly good nor bad—just average.
Film: Love, Sitara
Director: Vandana Kataria
Cast: Sobhita Dhulipala, Rajeev Siddhartha, Sonali Kulkarni, B. Jayashree, Virginia Rodrigues, Sanjay Bhutiani
Streamer: Zee5
Rating: 2/5
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