By Guruji Sunil Chaudhary
Love, Sitara is an intriguing family drama helmed by Vandana Kataria, with a fresh yet familiar take on the rom-com genre. The film revolves around the nuances of family dynamics, hidden secrets, and emotional unburdening, all triggered by an upcoming wedding in a Kerala village.
The storyline follows Sitara (Sobhita Dhulipala), an ambitious interior designer, and her on-and-off partner Arjun (Rajeev Siddhartha), who head to her ancestral home for their wedding. What starts as a simple family gathering soon morphs into a chaotic unraveling of past misdemeanors and long-held secrets, particularly those of Sitara’s aunt, Hema (Sonali Kulkarni), and her own unresolved past. Sitara must navigate not only her family’s complex history but also her personal dilemmas, forcing her to confront harsh truths about love, loyalty, and self-discovery.
The strength of Love, Sitara lies in its performances. The cast, led by Sobhita Dhulipala and Rajeev Siddhartha, deliver sincere portrayals, making their on-screen chemistry believable, even if some scenes feel slightly contrived. Sonali Kulkarni, as Hema, stands out with her depth and brings authenticity to her role. Similarly, Virginia Rodrigues as Sitara’s mother, and B. Jayashree, who plays the family matriarch, add texture to the family dynamics. The interplay between the women is particularly noteworthy, as they navigate love, loss, and personal sacrifices.
However, where Love, Sitara shines in moments, it struggles to maintain consistent tonal harmony. The narrative occasionally shifts awkwardly between broad humor and serious familial revelations. While the scenes in the Kerala village provide a rich, atmospheric backdrop, some plot points—such as an over-the-top scene involving cows and bulls—distract from the deeper emotional themes at play. The film flirts with dark revelations about family and personal choices but doesn’t always handle these revelations with the delicacy they deserve, leading to a somewhat uneven viewing experience.
Yet, despite its flaws, the film does manage to leave a lasting impression with its portrayal of a matriarchal setup, strong performances, and some heartwarming moments. Director Vandana Kataria attempts to inject freshness into a well-worn genre, though the execution sometimes feels a bit disjointed. Sitara’s journey of confronting both her past and her family’s history offers some insightful commentary on human emotions and the choices we make.
In conclusion, Love, Sitara is a film with potential, and while it doesn’t always hit the mark, its sincerity and occasional brilliance make it worth a watch. The emotional layers, strong female cast, and familial themes hold promise, even if the overall experience is uneven. This movie reminds us that sometimes, the beauty is found not in perfection, but in the imperfections we learn to accept.
Final Rating: 3 Stars
The film’s balance of strong performances and storytelling merits a solid 3-star rating, leaving viewers with both reflections and what-could-have-been moments.