The movie ‘Love, Sitara’ begins with a thoughtful nod to Leo Tolstoy’s classic Anna Karenina: “All happy families are alike; each unhappy family is unhappy in its own way,” muses Sitara (played by the compelling Sobhita Dhulipala). This opening sets the tone for Vandana Kataria’s film, which explores the complexities of family dynamics and personal relationships. Unlike Tolstoy’s profound narrative, however, the script by Abbas and Hussain Dalal leans heavily on self-help aphorisms: “Happiness lies in honesty.” “Dysfunction means they are making an effort.” “I’ll fix myself, before I can fix my relationships.” These lines attempt profundity but may come off as overly simplistic in their delivery.
Sitara, also known as Tara, and her love interest Arjun (Rajeev Siddhartha) have been navigating a turbulent relationship for some years. Both are polished, successful professionals—Tara is a high-flying interior designer, whereas Arjun is a chef with a promising opportunity in Singapore. When Tara discovers she is unexpectedly pregnant, she decides not to reveal this news to Arjun immediately, instead choosing to offer him her hand in marriage. Consequently, both their families gather in Kerala at Tara’s maternal grandmother’s house to celebrate this union. What starts with light-hearted banter and comedic interludes soon dives into deeper emotional territory.
Interestingly, a friend comments early on how unlike Tara it is to be enthusiastic about marriage, highlighting her earlier reluctance. Arjun had proposed marriage three years earlier, but Tara had declined. Now, faced with an unplanned pregnancy, Tara’s change of heart is puzzling. As the days unfold and secrets come to light—including potential fissures in her parent’s marriage—Tara sinks into an emotional crisis. Sobhita Dhulipala, known for her role as another Tara in the Amazon Prime series ‘Made in Heaven’, is thrust into a scenario where she must confront her own vulnerabilities just as she helps others navigate theirs in her professional life.
The director, Vandana Kataria, who debuted with ‘Noblemen’ in 2019—a film tackling the intricate issues of bullying and toxic masculinity in a boarding school—shifts her focus to the female experience in ‘Love, Sitara’. She brings a talented supporting cast onboard, including Sonali Kulkarni in a pivotal role and veteran theatre actress B.
. Jayashree as Tara’s quirky yet endearing grandmother. Despite the solid cast, the film struggles to attain the psychological depth evident in Kataria’s earlier work. While it strives to authentically portray the messiness of life, it seems hesitant to fully commit to this complexity.
A significant shortcoming of the film is its writing, which swings erratically between English and Hindi, with occasional Malayalam. The family drama feels somewhat orchestrated rather than lifelike, with characters delivering lines seemingly designed for impact rather than authenticity. Dialogues such as “A mistake can wreck a thousand lives” and “hearts, like monuments, should be built of stone” feel forced. The script succumbs to melodrama, particularly in a climactic scene underscored by thunderclaps and torrents of rain, reminiscent of a television soap opera.
The picturesque Kerala countryside, unfortunately, doesn’t get the attention one might expect. The lush settings serve as mere backdrops rather than integral components that enhance the narrative. Some characters teeter close to being caricatures—such as the loquacious maid with an alcoholic husband—further detracting from the realism the film aspires to achieve.
Yet, the penultimate scene offers a glimpse of what the film could have been. In this moment, Tara and Arjun engage in a heated but credible argument that feels genuine and rooted in their shared history. If not overshadowed by her earlier role in ‘Made in Heaven,’ Dhulipala’s performance here might have garnered more appreciation. Ikhlaque Khan, playing Arjun’s retired military officer father captivated by notions of nation and duty, stands out in the film. Another noteworthy character is Tara’s best friend Anjali (Tamara D’Souza), an award-winning photojournalist focusing on human rights issues, who takes the opportunity to document the pre-wedding festivities with her camera—a convenient side gig that adds layers to her persona.
Despite its imperfections, ‘Love, Sitara’ is a notable entry in Indian cinema, attempting to explore the delicate intricacies of relationships and personal growth amidst societal pressures. Currently available for streaming on ZEE5, it offers a mix of engaging performances and emotional depth, even if it sometimes falls short of its aspirations.
Published on: September 27, 2024, 12:32 pm IST
Indian cinema
/ Hindi cinema
/ reviews
