Hanu Raghavapudi’s Sita Ramam is a poetic love story that works on many levels. The twists and turns keep you hooked. Most importantly the chemistry between Dulqer and Mrunal works like magic. The director also looks into the Indo-Pak conflict with Kashmir. He smartly integrates this subplot into the film and makes sure that it never comes across as just an add on.
In the mid-1960’s Lieutenant Ram (Dulqer Salman) falls in love with a stranger (Mrunal Thakur as Sita) after an exchange of letters. Ram meets Sita and she also reciprocates his love. But Sita has problems due to her family, cut to 20 years later Afreen (Rashmika) is assigned with the task of delivering Ram’s letter to Sita by her grandfather-army general (Sachin Khedar). Afreen has no inclination to deliver the letter but she has no other option, the reason being her grandfather’s will, Afreen is a Pakistani Muslim who hates Indians. The rest of the story focuses on why the letter is so important and what is the connection between Ram and Afreen’s grandfather.
For a love story like this to work the casting of the lead pair is very important, director Hanu Raghavapudi gets the casting absolutely spot on. Both Dulqer and Mrunal deliver wonderful performances. The chemistry between them is a treat to watch. Dulqer turns on his charm fully and makes the audiences fall in love with him. The actor is in splendid form in both romantic and emotional scenes. The surprise package though is Mrunal. She makes a stunning Tollywood debut. She not only looks gorgeous but also performs with ease.
Hanu Raghvapudi has handled the portions between Dulqer and Mrunal in a classy manner. Some of the emotional bits featuring the lead pair give you goosebumps.
The director has also made sure that the supporting characters come out well. The roles of Sumanth and Rashmika are beautifully woven into the story. Both the actors do a splendid job in their gray shade characters.
Indo-Pak conflict mixed with a love angle is something that Indian audiences are always keen to watch. The film reminds you a bit of Veer Zara in the sense that Dulqer’s Ram is prisoner in a Pakistani jail. The scenes involving war makes you tense about what will happen next.
There are twists and turns at regular intervals and the last one leaves you teary eyed.
Technically also Sita Ramam makes for an eye pleasing product. The cinematography by PS Vinod and Shreyas is of very high standards. The music by Vishal Chandrasekhar is soothing and suits the mood of the film perfectly.
Sita Ramam is not without its flaws though. Some of the comic portions are oddly placed. The track of Vennela Kishore could have been better etched out. Also there are some logical errors. For example Mrunal Thakur’s character doesn’t de age for a bit even after twenty years.
Sita Ramam is a feast particularly if you are a fan of Dulqer and also intense love stories.
