Shooting for RSVP’s Sitara to resume in November

Shooting for Sitara (2021), produced by RSVP Movies, is set to resume in November. The film, directed by Vandana Kataria, had completed a brief Mumbai schedule in March and had to shut down thereafter because of the coronavirus pandemic.

The love story focuses on an independent, feisty interior designer, played by Sobhita Dhulipala, and an aspiring chef, played by Rajeev Siddhartha. According to a press release, the couple “recognize the flaws in their relationship and set out to redeem themselves and make it work”. The film will also showcase the story of a dysfunctional family with heart and tongue-in-cheek humour.

Kataria, who made her directorial debut with Noblemen (2019) after working as a production designer on several films, said, “Sitara is a story that has been very close to my heart. It is something that all modern-day families experience but are reluctant to confront. Having a producer like Ronnie [Screwvala] on board is just a perfect fit to say such stories. The pandemic did disrupt our schedule, but given the new normal, I am excited to get back on set and bring this story to life.”

Vandana Kataria on her directorial debut Noblemen and turning The Merchant of Venice into a boarding school parable

Producer Screwvala revealed that Sitara, like RSVP's recently announced project A Thursday (2021), will head for a digital release early next year. “Sitara is a story about love, appreciation, acceptance, forgiveness and redemption,” he said. “There can be no better woman than Vandana to direct this digital film for RSVP. Hoping to bring this story about a dysfunctional family to audiences early next year.”

The film’s lead, Dhulipala, said, “A film like Sitara is a step taken with small feet towards a larger newness in Indian cinema. I’m truly glad to belong with it and now that we go back to shoot in November, we as a team are returning stronger in mind, body and spirit. Rearing to go!”

Sitara’s screenplay has been co-written by Kataria and Sonia Bahl, while the dialogues have been written by Hussain Dalal and Abbas Dalal. RSVP’s Sonia Kanwar is the associate producer on the film.