While widely celebrated, some critics and viewers found the film’s three-hour runtime to be "overstuffed" or "predictable" at times. Reviewers from The Indian Express argued that the story sometimes felt "forced" and relied heavily on the leads' good looks to sustain interest. Additionally, some Letterboxd users pointed out that the portrayal of regional conflicts and certain cultures was occasionally oversimplified.
Sita Ramam (2022) is an epic period romance that manages to feel both like a grand cinematic spectacle and a deeply personal, intimate story . Set against the backdrop of 1960s Kashmir and the 1980s, the film centers on Lieutenant Ram (Dulquer Salmaan), an orphan army officer who begins receiving anonymous love letters from a woman named Sita Mahalakshmi (Mrunal Thakur) after his bravery makes him a national hero. Sita Ramam (2022)Featured
Unlike typical "mass masala" films, Sita Ramam is a "slow-burn relationship drama" that explores themes of sacrifice, patriotism, and human humanity in a nuanced way. Mixed Perspectives While widely celebrated, some critics and viewers found
The narrative is framed through the perspective of Afreen (Rashmika Mandanna), a rebellious Pakistani student in 1985 who is tasked with delivering a decades-old, unposted letter from Ram to Sita. This quest serves as the emotional bridge, slowly uncovering a love story that transcends borders, religion, and time. Sita Ramam (2022) is an epic period romance
The pairing of Dulquer Salmaan and Mrunal Thakur is the film's greatest strength. Reviewers from The Hindu and Firstpost praised their "palpable chemistry" and "earnest performances," noting they convey deep passion without the need for explicit scenes.
Director Hanu Raghavapudi crafts a visually stunning experience. The Times of India highlighted the film's "aesthetic values" and "breathtaking vistas," supported by Vishal Chandrashekhar’s hauntingly beautiful musical score.