Family Drama ‘Love, Sitara’ Critically Examined for Lack of Depth and Rushed Screenplay

‘Love, Sitara‘, a recent film helmed by director Vandana Kataria, has sparked attention with its exploration of familial dynamics and individual complexities. Starring Sobhita Dhulipala as the protagonist Sitara, the film ambitiously delves into themes of honesty and self-awareness, yet critiques suggest it falters under the weight of its own narrative aspirations.

The film opens with a reference to ‘Anna Karenina‘, hinting at the intricate emotional landscapes ahead. However, unlike Tolstoy’s classic, ‘Love, Sitara’ reportedly struggles to offer profound insights despite its pithy dialogues penned by Abbas and Hussain Dalal. Quotations such as “Happiness lies in honesty” populate the screenplay, positioning the film as both a romantic and moral exploration.

The plot centers around Sitara, an acclaimed interior designer, and her turbulent relationship with Arjun, played by Rajeev Siddhartha, a chef pursuing a prestigious opportunity in Singapore. The narrative thickens as Sitara discovers her unexpected pregnancy, setting in motion a series of familial encounters in Kerala during preparations for their nuptials.

Commentators have noted that while the setting of Kerala’s picturesque surroundings provides a vivid backdrop – excellently captured by director of photography Szymon Lenkowski – the film ultimately fails to harness this potential to enhance its storytelling. The picturesque environment does little to mask the more formulaic elements of the story, drawing parallels with other family dramas like ‘Kapoor & Sons’.

Critics have specifically pointed to the writing as a weak link. Mixing languages such as English, Hindi, and Malayalam, the dialogues attempt to mirror the complexity of the characters but fall short of creating a seamless narrative. The film’s climactic moments, according to some, lack the necessary emotional weight, resulting in an anticlimactic resolution despite strong performances by the cast.

Although Dhulipala brings life to her character, critics argue that the film suffers due to its conventional resolutions, opting for a predictable ‘happy ending’ rather than embracing the imperfect realities it seeks to portray. Notable performances include B. Jayashree’s portrayal of Sitara’s grandmother, adding an eccentric charm amid the unfolding drama.

Despite these shortcomings, ‘Love, Sitara’ succeeds to some extent in presenting a nuanced portrayal of contemporary relationships, albeit one that mirrors familiar tropes. It remains available for streaming on ZEE5, inviting audiences to form their own perspectives on the latest offering in Indian cinema.