Vasuki K

 SITA RAMAM - MOVIE REVIEW

 

Introduction:

Some love stories are beyond time, and Sita Ramam is one such tale that weaves romance, war, and destiny into a visually stunning narrative. Rooted in themes of love, fate, and sacrifice, Sita Ramam is more than just a romance—it’s a story of connections that defy barriers of time and conflict.

Released on August 5, 2022, this Telugu period drama is directed by Hanu Raghavapudi and stars Dulquer Salmaan, Mrunal Thakur, and Rashmika Mandanna in pivotal roles.

Set in the 1960s, the film follows Lieutenant Ram, an orphaned soldier stationed at the Kashmir border, who receives an anonymous love letter from a woman named Sita Mahalakshmi. As he embarks on a journey to find her, the story unfolds into an emotionally charged mystery spanning decades.

 

2.Plot and storyline:

The film begins in 1985 with Afreen (Rashmika Mandanna), a rebellious Pakistani student in London, who is tasked with delivering an old letter to a woman named Sita Mahalakshmi by her deceased grandfather. Initially uninterested, she embarks on this journey reluctantly, only to be drawn into the mysterious love story of Lieutenant Ram.

Flashback to 1964, in Kashmir, where Ram, serving on the border, becomes a national hero after a successful mission. Soon, he starts receiving anonymous love letters from a woman named Sita Mahalakshmi (Mrunal Thakur), who claims to be his wife. Intrigued, Ram sets out to find her, leading to an enchanting romance that unfolds in poetic moments and heartfelt exchanges.

However, their love story is not without obstacles As Afreen delves deeper into Ram’s past, she uncovers shocking truths about his fate, the real identity of Sita, and the sacrifices made for love.

The film follows a non-linear storytelling approach, shifting between 1964 (the romance between Ram and Sita) and 1985 (Afreen’s quest to uncover the truth). This structure keeps the mystery alive and gradually pieces together the love story while engaging the audience with suspense.

 

3.characters and acting:

Main Characters:

                

1. Lieutenant Ram as Dulquer Salmaan – A kind-hearted and brave Indian Army officer,  Dulquer delivers a nuanced performance, effortlessly switching between a playful lover and a dedicated soldier.

2. Sita Mahalakshmi as Mrunal Thakur – A mysterious yet graceful woman, Mrunal Thakur shines in her role, bringing elegance, vulnerability, and strength to her character, making Sita an unforgettable presence in the film.

3. Afreen (Rashmika Mandanna) – A rebellious Pakistani student in 1985,  Rashmika’s portrayal of Afreen’s character transformation adds an interesting modern perspective to the film.

4. Balaji (Sumanth) – Ram’s close friend and a key figure in the army, Balaji plays an important role in connecting the dots in Ram’s journey. Sumanth delivers a solid performance with subtle emotional depth.

Character Development & Depth

Ram evolves from a lonely soldier to a devoted lover, showing resilience, kindness, and emotional depth. His transformation is subtle yet impactful.

Sita starts as a mysterious figure but grows into a strong, independent woman with secrets that shape the story. Her depth adds emotional weight.

Afreen undergoes the most visible change, from an indifferent and rebellious student to someone who understands love, sacrifice, and humanity.

Chemistry & Believability

Dulquer Salmaan & Mrunal Thakur’s chemistry is effortless, making their romance feel authentic and emotionally rich. Their interactions feel organic, with genuine warmth and intensity.Ram and Sita’s love story unfolds poetically, making their connection deeply believable.

 

4.direction and cinematography:

Hanu Raghavapudi crafts Sita Ramam as a visually poetic and emotionally rich experience. His direction balances romance, mystery, and historical elements, ensuring the story unfolds gracefully. He skillfully handles dual timelines, keeping the audience engaged while gradually revealing key twists. The film’s pacing is deliberate, allowing emotions to simmer rather than rush.

Cinematography (P. S. Vinod & Shreyaas Krishna)

The cinematography is one of the film’s biggest strengths.Breathtaking visuals capture the beauty of Kashmir’s landscapes, adding a dreamlike quality to Ram and Sita’s romance.Warm, vintage color tones enhance the 1960s setting, making the period setting feel authentic.

 

5. screenplay and dialogues:

The screenplay of Sita Ramam is structured around a dual timeline narrative, interweaving romance, mystery, and patriotism seamlessly. The film moves between 1964 (Ram & Sita’s love story) and 1985 (Afreen’s journey to uncover the truth), keeping the audience engaged with its gradual revelations.

1.      Introduction of the Mystery (1964)

The screenplay keeps the suspense alive, as neither Ram nor the audience knows who Sita is.

         2.Building the Love Story

Ram’s journey to find Sita leads to a series of beautifully crafted moments—their first meeting in the rain, conversations filled with poetry, and a slow yet intense romance

3.Parallel Timeline (1985) - Afreen’s Transformation

The screenplay effectively contrasts Afreen’s initial skepticism with her emotional journey, as she pieces together Ram and Sita’s love story through letters and memories.

The transitions between past and present are seamless, ensuring the audience stays invested in both narratives.

        4.Emotional Climax & Resolution

            The final revelation about Ram’s fate is heartbreaking.

Dialogues:

1. Romantic & Poetic Dialogues

Ram to Sita: "Unakaga poraaduradhu kooda enakku sandhoshama irukkum."

(Fighting for you would be a pleasure for me.)

2. Philosophical & Emotional Dialogues

Ram to Afreen: "Desam na oru boomiyalla Afreen… athu makkal."

(A nation is not just land, Afreen… it’s the people.)

3. Kurukshetra Dialogue (Most Iconic Line)

Ram: "Kurukshetrathil Krishna, Arjunan kitte senju kattadhu dhan dhanush illa, thannambikkai."

(In Kurukshetra, Krishna did not give Arjuna a bow; he gave him confidence.)

 

This symbolizes Ram’s belief in love, duty, and inner strength, making it one of the most powerful and memorable lines in the film.

 

6.sound and music:

              The music in Sita Ramam is deeply woven into the narrative, emotions, and character arcs, making each song a reflection of Ram and Sita’s journey.

 

1. "Oh Sita Hey Rama" – Love That Transcends Time 2. "Inthandham" – The Magic of Falling in Love

2. "kurumugil" – The Magic of Falling in Love

             

 3. "Kannukkulle" (Tamil version of "Kaanunna Kalyanam")– A Dreamy Celebration of Love

 4. "Eppudo Naan" – Longing and Separation Sita Ramam Theme BGM – The Soul of the Film

The Sita Ramam Theme BGM is one of the most emotionally powerful and iconic background scores in the film. Composed by Vishal Chandrashekhar, this orchestral masterpiece captures the essence of love, longing, and fate. Movie Review: Sita Ramam

 

7.editing and pacing:

The film maintains a slow yet engaging

Pace and allowing emotions to develop naturally.Smooth transitions between past and present keep the mystery alive.

Some scenes could have been trimmed for a tighter narrative, especially in the second half.

1. Dual Timeline Transitions (1964 & 1985)

2. Balanced Pacing (Slow Yet Engaging)

 

8. Themes and Messages:Love beyond boundaries – The film emphasizes that true love transcends nationality and religion.atriotism and sacrifice – Ram’s devotion to his country is as deep as his love for Sita.

The power of letters and human connection – A central theme that adds emotional depth.

 

9. Visual Effects

No heavy CGI, but the authentic period settings and war sequences are well-crafted.

Visual aesthetics complement the film’s emotional tone.

 

10. Cultural and Historical Accuracy

The film effectively captures the political and social tensions of the 1960s.

Authentic costumes, settings, and dialogues make the period feel realistic.

 

11. Impact and Relevance

Emotionally powerful, leaving a lasting impression.

The film resonates with audiences who appreciate classic love stories with a deeper message.

 

12. Critique and Weaknesses

Pacing issues in certain portions.Some plot points feel overly dramatic, but they align with the film’s poetic nature.Afreen’s initial characterization feels slightly exaggerated but improves over time.

 

13. Overall Rating and Recommendation

 

⭐ 4.5/5 – A visually stunning, emotionally captivating love story.

 

✅ Who would enjoy this?

 

Fans of classic romance dramas like Titanic or Veer-Zaara.

Viewers who appreciate visually rich, poetic storytelling.

Those looking for a deep, emotional experience rather than a fast-paced film.

 

 

Sita Ramam is not just a movie—it’s a heartfelt letter to love, sacrifice, and destiny.