Mrunal Thakur has revealed that she was initially approached for the character eventually played by Rashmika Mandanna in Sita Ramam, before director Hanu Raghavapudi decided she was the right fit for Sita Mahalakshmi. The actress recently opened up about how she came on board the 2022 romantic drama and how the film’s emotional story convinced her to take up the role.
Starring Dulquer Salmaan, Mrunal Thakur and Rashmika Mandanna, Sita Ramam marked an important point in Mrunal’s journey in Telugu cinema. Four years after its release, the actress recalled her first interaction with Hanu Raghavapudi and how filmmaker Nag Ashwin helped introduce her to the project.
Speaking about her initial meeting with the director in Mumbai, Mrunal revealed that she was first given the narration for the character eventually portrayed by Rashmika. However, Hanu soon felt that she was better suited to playing Sita.
"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’," Mrunal shared.
The actress also recalled that the narration lasted nearly five hours, during which she became deeply invested in the story. She said Hanu was expressive while narrating the screenplay, making it easier for her to connect with the characters and their emotions.
"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 to 5 hours and that was it. I didn’t know who the producers were; I didn’t know who was playing Ram," she said.
Mrunal further revealed that playing a princess was a dream she had carried for a long time. Her immediate emotional connection with Sita’s character strengthened her belief that she was meant to play the role.
"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," she added.
Recalling her response to the screenplay, the actress said she was moved to tears during the narration. She also spoke about how films with strong emotional storytelling affect her as a viewer, citing Veer-Zaara as an example.
"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," Mrunal recalled.
She explained that being able to experience those emotions is essential to making a story work for both the audience and the people involved in bringing it to life.
"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."
Mrunal said the experience left her eager to be part of the film, prompting her to make a decision without delay. "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 Ramama ‘yes’, and I was just too eager to start shooting," she revealed.
Directed by Hanu Raghavapudi, Sita Ramam featured Dulquer Salmaan as Lieutenant Ram, Mrunal as Sita Mahalakshmi and Rashmika as Afreen. The romantic drama follows a love story shaped by letters, memories and connections across different periods. Its music, performances and emotional narrative received appreciation, while Mrunal’s portrayal of Sita became one of the most recognised performances in her career.
More Pages: Sita Ramam Box Office Collection
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