Love, Sitara begins with a thought-provoking quote from Leo Tolstoy’s “Anna Karenina”: “All happy families are alike; each unhappy family is unhappy in its own way.” This sets the tone for a film that is less about romantic love and more about the complexities of family relationships. While the title might suggest a light-hearted tale, it actually delves into the struggles of a dysfunctional family as they navigate the lead-up to a wedding, revealing hidden wounds and tensions.
Directed by Vandana Kataria and featuring a strong cast including Sobhita Dhulipala and Rajeev Siddhartha, the film tells the story of Sitara, a young interior designer whose life changes dramatically when she finds out she’s pregnant. Her decision to propose to her on-and-off partner, Arjun, leads to a deeper exploration of her character. Is she a victim of her upbringing, or does she have agency in her choices? The film beautifully unravels these questions as Sitara returns to her ancestral home in Kerala for her wedding.
As we meet her family—her candid grandmother, nurturing mother, charming father, and laid-back aunt—it initially appears to be a happy gathering. However, as the story progresses, we see the underlying tensions and complexities that define their relationships. The film captures the essence of loving your family despite their flaws, making it a relatable and engaging watch for anyone interested in character-driven stories.
