Fri Sep 27 20:04:43 UTC 2024: ## Love, Sitara: A Dysfunctional Family Drama with Meh Results

**”Love, Sitara,”** the second directorial venture of acclaimed production designer Vandana Kataria, dives into the complexities of a dysfunctional family. The film, which takes its title from its protagonist (played by Sobhita Dhulipala), opens with a quote from Leo Tolstoy’s “Anna Karenina” – “All happy families are alike; each unhappy family is unhappy in its own way.” This sets the stage for a story that explores the hidden wounds and secrets that lie beneath the surface of a seemingly happy family.

The film follows Sitara, a young interior designer, as she navigates an unplanned pregnancy and decides to marry her on-and-off partner, Arjun (Rajeev Siddhartha). The plot shifts to her ancestral home in Kerala, where she plans her wedding, bringing together her family: a straight-talking grandmother (B Jayashree), a submissive mother (Virginia Rodrigues), a charming father (Sanjay Bhutiani), and a cool aunt (Sonali Kulkarni).

While initially appearing idyllic, the family dynamics unravel to reveal a web of infidelity and heartbreak. Sitara’s father had an affair with her aunt, Hema, who is currently in a relationship with her boss. Govind, Sitara’s father, may also be involved with a coworker, and Sitara’s grandfather abandoned her grandmother for another woman.

Despite tackling a poignant subject, the film’s execution falls short. The writing lacks sharpness, and the exploration of family dynamics feels simplistic and melodramatic. The characters, with the exception of Sonali Kulkarni’s nuanced portrayal of the cool aunt, lack depth. While the scenic Kerala setting and some inventive moments offer visual and comedic relief, the film’s emotional impact remains underwhelming.

“Love, Sitara” is a film that strives to explore human emotions but ultimately falls into the category of “meh”. While the film’s attempt to address family dynamics is commendable, its lackluster execution and predictable plot leave viewers with little to connect to.

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