Mrunal Thakur reveals she was initially approached for Rashmika Mandanna’s role in Sita Ramam; says, “But suddenly, Hanu sir felt that ‘No, she’s my Sita’”
Mrunal Thakur’s portrayal of Sita in Sita Ramam remains one of the most memorable performances of her career. The actress recently opened up about how she came on board the 2022 romantic drama, revealing that she was initially approached for the role played by Rashmika Mandanna before director Hanu Raghavapudi felt she was the right fit for Sita. Recalling her first meeting with the filmmaker and her immediate connection with the character, Mrunal described the experience as one guided by instinct and emotion.
Speaking about how the film came her way, Mrunal said, “I met Hanu sir in Mumbai, and after Nag Ashwin sir watched my film and I watched his film, Mahanati, he approached me saying there is this film that I should hear the narration of. But at that time, they came to narrate to me the character that Rashmika played. But suddenly, Hanu sir felt that ‘No, she’s my Sita’. Hanu sir is someone who is very expressive when it comes to his narration. From a cafe, we moved to his office for the narration, which took around 4.5 - 5 hours - and that was it. I didn’t know who the producers were; I didn’t know who was playing Ram. I told sir that it was my dream to be a princess and I’m happy that I get to play one. That’s how Sita Ramam happened. My gut instinct was screaming and telling me that I have to be Sita; no one other than Mrunal Thakur can play Sita in Sita Ramam.”
The actress also recalled how deeply the narration affected her, explaining that the story’s emotional journey made an immediate impression on her. “When I heard the narration, I cried and I went through the whole emotions of it. I’m a person who would watch movies and cry and sob. Every time I watch Veer Zara, I cry. If you - as an audience, actor or a filmmaker - are not able to feel the emotions and go through that journey, it does not reflect then,” she added.
For Mrunal, the decision to take up the film came quickly. Emphasising that she did not want to miss the opportunity to be part of what she considered an iconic love story, she shared, “I felt that this is one of the most iconic love stories that I could be a part of, and I didn’t want to delay it. The next day I gave Sita Ramam a ‘yes’, and I was just too eager to start shooting.”
Released on August 5, 2022, Sita Ramam is a Telugu period romantic drama written and directed by Hanu Raghavapudi. The film stars Dulquer Salmaan as Lieutenant Ram, Mrunal as Sita Mahalakshmi, and Rashmika Mandanna as Afreen. Set against the backdrop of the 1960s, the film follows an army officer whose life changes after he begins receiving letters from a woman who introduces herself as his wife, Sita. Produced by C. Aswani Dutt and Swapna Dutt under Vyjayanthi Movies and Swapna Cinema, the film received critical acclaim for its performances, storytelling and music.
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