Sita Ramam felt like once in a lifetime opportunity: Mrunal Thakur on the Dulquer Salman starrer

Mrunal Thakur, who made her debut in Telugu cinema opposite Dulquer Salmaan, with the recently-released Sita Ramam, says she feels comfortable as an actor having the kind of roles she always wished for. From the social issue of human trafficking in Love Sonia (2018) to working in the horror genre with Ghost Stories (2020) and then playing a pivotal role in sports films like Toofan and Jersey in 2021, the actress is constantly striving to offer something new every time.

Referring to Sita Ramam, Mrunal says, the film felt like a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. "I must have done some good karma in the past to be a part of it. Even when I entered the industry I was aware of the struggle that comes with it, but my sole focus was to give my best and let my journey speak through my work. And what makes me even happier is that people like it and appreciate it as well. It is the biggest encouragement that any actor can get."

Ask her if playing Sita changed her as a person, and she says, "My role is portrayed as a woman of substance, not just kindness and empathy. She is a decisive person, and in the 1960s, being able to make difficult decisions and stick to them was a huge accomplishment." Mrunal adds that more women like Sita who can speak up for themselves and be firm about what they want in life, are needed.

Mrunal wanted her Telugu launchpad to be "epic," and says Sita Ramam's film was the best way to achieve that. "I feel I've come a long way without having an industry godfather. It has happened because of the people who continue to stand by my side."

She fulfilled a dream of hers by collaborating with Hanu Raghavapudi and Dulquer Salmaan on Sita Ramam. The best part of the film, she says, is that it's a visual treat with each frame looking like a painting. Mrunal wants to act in films that people will remember for a long time. The content is the only thing she looks at in the script. "It is critical for us, as actors, that our work reaches a global audience. And, with the rise of OTT, it has become even easier. In the aftermath of the pandemic, we are all coming together. It's not like South or Hindi films, but it's an Indian film that's about to be released. RRR, KGF: Chapter 2, and Sita Ramam have all demonstrated this."

Mrunal does not find language to be a barrier. She laughs, "My Telugu improved by the end of the Sita Ramam shoot, as did Hanu garu's Hindi."

Her experience transitioning from television to lead roles in Bollywood has given her confidence. "Many people are unaware that Super 30 was my Bollywood debut, as Love Sonia in Hollywood. My ultimate goal was to do solid work, and I was thrilled to have accomplished it. I will keep working hard and striving to be a part of the films and stories that I want to be a part of."

Mrunal, a fan of human dramas, hopes to land more roles that reflect who she is and the actor she aspires to be in the long run. "It's a difficult task, but I'm grateful for the opportunity to do what I do. I won't deny that it took a lot of effort in the past to persuade filmmakers to give me the roles I desired." She started working towards her dream from the age of 17 and today she's almost 29. "I have no inhibitions or time constraints. I'd like to collaborate with new directors, and actors, and in different languages. I will work in French or Spanish films if the opportunity arises!"

Produced by Swapna Cinema, Sita Ramam is directed by Hanu Raghavapudi and presented by Vyjayanthi Films.