“Love, Sitara,” starring Sobhita Dhulipala, aims to deliver a heartfelt family drama similar to “Kapoor & Sons.” However, while it starts with a lot of potential, the film quickly loses its pace and leaves viewers feeling underwhelmed. With a solid cast and beautiful settings, it seems like it should succeed, but the rushed screenplay and reliance on clichés undermine its promise.
Love, Sitara’s Storyline
At the heart of “Love, Sitara” is the story of Sitara, played by Sobhita Dhulipala. She’s a 29-year-old woman focused on her successful career until she discovers she’s pregnant. Her boyfriend, Arjun (Rajeev Siddhartha), is thrilled and proposes marriage. This moment introduces a subtle commentary on traditional gender roles, showcasing Arjun’s struggles as a chef against his father’s expectations for a more “manly” career. However, just when things seem to be going well, a family secret threatens to unravel everything, leading to further complications.
The film begins with a refreshing perspective, suggesting that life is best lived at a slower pace. The cinematography by Szymon Lenkowski beautifully captures the scenic landscapes of Kerala, showcasing more than just the typical backwaters.
Familiar Territory
Despite these promising elements, “Love, Sitara” feels too familiar. It follows a well-trodden path reminiscent of Shakun Batra’s “Kapoor & Sons,” with themes of family secrets, extra-marital affairs, and emotional confrontations. Unfortunately, it lacks the necessary depth to keep viewers engaged. After a while, the plot twists become predictable, leaving the audience waiting for something new to happen.
Missed Emotional Impact
The climax, intended to be a heart-wrenching moment, fails to evoke the expected emotions. The performances, the beautiful setting, and the building tension don’t coalesce into a powerful conclusion. Despite the cast’s talent, the film doesn’t manage to deliver the emotional punch it aims for. While the idea of a supportive family is commendable, the relentless pursuit of a happy ending seems forced. If the story is about accepting life’s imperfections, why not allow for an imperfect ending too? The screenplay, written by Sonia Bahl and Vandana Kataria (who also directs), misses the chance to break away from this norm, and the rushed conclusion shatters the film’s overall impact.
Cast Performances
The cast delivers solid performances. Sobhita Dhulipala brings depth to Sitara, skillfully portraying her struggles between her past and present. B Jayashree shines as Sitara’s grandmother, adding warmth to the film. Rijul Ray also stands out as Mujeeb, Sitara’s childhood friend. However, Sonali Kulkarni, who plays Hema, doesn’t quite hit the mark during a critical emotional scene, which is meant to be a highlight of the story.
While you want to love “Love, Sitara,” it ultimately lacks the spark to truly connect with its audience. The film had all the right ingredients—an interesting premise, a talented cast, and a beautiful backdrop—but it gets lost in a rushed narrative and predictable tropes. Despite its good intentions and moments of brilliance, “Love, Sitara” ends up feeling like a missed opportunity, leaving viewers wishing for a more fulfilling experience.
