Sita Ramam

Letters of Eternal Love: Why Sita Ramam Still Feels Like a Classic Romance

Released in 2022, Sita Ramam (transl. Sita and Ram) is a Telugu-language period romantic drama that won over audiences in India and abroad. Director Hanu Raghavapudi also co-wrote the screenplay with Raj Kumar Kandamudi. The film has earned a place among the most moving love stories in recent Indian cinema. Produced by C. Aswini Dutt under Vyjayanthi Movies and Swapna Cinema, it stars Dulquer Salmaan as Lieutenant Ram, Mrunal Thakur as Sita Mahalakshmi (with voice dubbing by Chinmayi), and Rashmika Mandanna as Afreen. The supporting cast includes Sumanth, Bhumika Chawla, Gautham Vasudev Menon, Prakash Raj, Vennela Kishore, and more.

The story uses a non-linear structure across two timelines, mainly 1964 during Indo-Pak tensions and 1985, all tied to one undelivered letter. A simple mission to hand over a 20-year-old message soon becomes a story about love, duty, sacrifice, and the hope of peace across borders.

A Romance Built on Letters and Longing

At its heart, Sita Ramam is an epistolary romance. Lieutenant Ram, a disciplined Indian Army officer, receives a letter from a woman named Sita, someone he has never met. That single note turns into an exchange of letters, and the bond grows stronger with every page. The film reveals its secrets slowly, using flashbacks and small discoveries to keep the emotions steady and the tension alive.

In the later timeline, Rashmika Mandanna’s Afreen plays a key role. She begins as angry and stubborn, shaped by bias and pain. As she learns what happened to Ram and Sita, she becomes the link between past and present, and her outlook shifts in a way that feels earned.

Hanu Raghavapudi keeps the love story tender, while also showing the weight of war and politics. The film leans into unity and kindness, with the idea that love can cross faith, borders, and fear. Some moments may feel a little direct in how they state that message, but the tone stays honest, not preachy.

Performances That Stay With the Audience

Dulquer Salmaan gives one of his strongest performances as Ram. He plays him with calm confidence and a gentle honesty. His reactions during the letter scenes stand out, since he says so much with small looks and pauses.

Mrunal Thakur adds warmth and quiet strength to Sita, making her Telugu debut feel natural and confident. Sita carries dignity even when life gets messy. Her chemistry with Dulquer is soft and believable, which fits a period romance where feelings are often held back.

Rashmika Mandanna brings energy to Afreen and handles the character’s shift from defiant to compassionate with care. That change adds weight to the story, since it shows how the past can heal the present.

The supporting cast strengthens the film throughout. Sumanth as Vishnu, Bhumika Chawla, and experienced actors like Prakash Raj add depth and steadiness to key scenes.

Visual Beauty and Music That Lift Every Scene

Sita Ramam looks stunning from start to finish. Cinematographers P. S. Vinod and Shreyaas Krishna frame Kashmir’s snow-covered views, Hyderabad’s period feel, and Russia’s locations with rich detail. The 1960s and 1980s settings feel lived-in, thanks to strong art direction and costume designer Sheetal Sharma’s careful work.

Vishal Chandrasekhar’s music is another major strength. The songs carry a gentle sadness but never feel heavy. They fit into the story smoothly and support the romance instead of interrupting it. The background score lands at the right moments, raising the emotion without pushing too hard.

Scenes People Remember Long After the Credits

A few moments have become highlights for many viewers:

• The first anonymous letter, which sets the tone with Ram’s real sense of wonder.
• Ram and Sita meet in Kashmir, where silence and simple eye contact do the work.
• The reveal of Sita’s true identity was delivered with strong emotion and great timing.
• The prison farewell, painful and unforgettable in its intensity.
• Afreen’s final change of heart, which brings a satisfying sense of closure.

Together, these scenes help the film linger long after it ends.

Reception and Lasting Impact

Released on August 5, 2022, Sita Ramam received wide praise. It holds an IMDb rating of 8.5/10 from over 80,000 users and shows 86% positive reviews on Rotten Tomatoes. Reviews highlighted its strong filmmaking, with IANS calling it a “brilliantly-crafted, beautiful love story” (4/5) and The Hindu describing it as a “poignant love story.” Audience feedback has been just as warm, with many calling it a modern classic, and the second half often getting the most love.

The film performed well at the box office (over ₹98 crore worldwide on a ₹30 crore budget) and earned awards, including Best Film at the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne, plus multiple SIIMA and Filmfare South wins for acting, music, and direction.

Some viewers pointed out pacing dips and a few predictable turns. Still, the film’s emotional payoff, strong performances, and striking visuals carry it through. Sita Ramam is not only a romance, but it is also a reminder that kindness still matters when people feel divided.

While many films chase loud action and quick twists, Sita Ramam chooses a quieter path. The chemistry between Dulquer and Mrunal, the careful direction, and the soulful music help it feel timeless.

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