Mrunal Thakur has revealed an interesting detail about the casting of Sita Ramam. The actress was initially approached for the character eventually played by Rashmika Mandanna, but director Hanu Raghavapudi soon realised that Mrunal was better suited to the role of Sita Mahalakshmi. The actress says she connected with the romantic drama so deeply during the first narration that she agreed to the film the very next day.
Released in 2022, Sita Ramam became a memorable chapter in Mrunal’s career, introducing her to a wider Telugu-speaking audience. Starring Dulquer Salmaan alongside Mrunal and Rashmika, the film won appreciation for its emotional narrative, performances and music.
Years after the film’s release, Mrunal has shared how an unexpected casting decision led her to one of her most recognised roles.
Mrunal Thakur Was Initially Considered for Rashmika Mandanna’s Character
Mrunal recalled meeting director Hanu Raghavapudi in Mumbai after filmmaker Nag Ashwin encouraged her to hear the story. According to the actress, the team initially narrated the character that Rashmika Mandanna would eventually portray.
However, Hanu soon felt that Mrunal was the right choice to play Sita, changing the direction of the casting process.
“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,” Mrunal recalled.
She explained that the team initially introduced her to Rashmika’s character before the director decided she should play Sita instead.
The decision proved significant, as Mrunal’s portrayal of Sita Mahalakshmi became one of the most talked-about aspects of the film.
‘My Gut Instinct Was Screaming That I Have to Be Sita’
Mrunal said the first narration lasted approximately four and a half to five hours. She remembered how passionately Hanu narrated the story, keeping her emotionally invested throughout the session.
The actress revealed that she knew very little about the wider project at the time. She had not yet learned who the producers were or who would play the male lead.
Despite that, she felt an immediate connection with the character and the world of the film.
Mrunal said she told the director that playing a princess had always been a dream of hers and that she was delighted to have the opportunity. Her instinct, she explained, strongly told her that she should be the one to bring Sita to life.
That immediate emotional response helped convince her that the project was worth pursuing.
Why the Sita Ramam Story Moved Mrunal to Tears
The actress also spoke about how deeply the screenplay affected her during the narration. She described herself as someone who becomes emotional while watching films, particularly romantic dramas with powerful storytelling.
Recalling the experience, Mrunal said she cried while listening to the story and felt herself going through the characters’ emotions.
She also mentioned Veer-Zaara as a film that consistently makes her cry, highlighting her personal connection with emotionally driven love stories.
For Mrunal, a story must create a genuine emotional response, whether it is being experienced by an audience member, an actor or a filmmaker. Without that connection, she suggested, the emotions may not translate effectively on screen.
Her reaction to Sita Ramam was strong enough that she did not want to postpone her decision.
Mrunal Thakur Said Yes to Sita Ramam the Next Day
Mrunal described Sita Ramam as an opportunity to be part of a potentially iconic love story. After hearing the narration, she was eager to commit to the project rather than risk missing out on the role.
She reportedly gave the film her approval the following day and was excited to begin shooting.
That quick decision eventually led to her performance as Sita Mahalakshmi, a character remembered for her grace, emotional depth and central role in the film’s romance.
The casting story also highlights how a filmmaker’s instinct can influence the direction of a project, sometimes bringing an actor and character together in an unexpected way.
Sita Ramam: Dulquer Salmaan, Mrunal Thakur and Rashmika Mandanna’s Romantic Drama
Directed by Hanu Raghavapudi, Sita Ramam features Dulquer Salmaan as Lieutenant Ram, Mrunal Thakur as Sita Mahalakshmi and Rashmika Mandanna as Afreen.
The Telugu romantic drama builds its story around letters, memories and a journey that gradually reveals the connections between its characters. Its blend of romance, longing and emotional revelations helped it connect with viewers.
Mrunal’s performance was particularly important to the film’s emotional impact, while Dulquer’s portrayal of Ram and Rashmika’s role as Afreen contributed to the story’s layered narrative.
The film also helped strengthen Mrunal’s visibility in Telugu cinema, bringing her performance to audiences beyond her earlier work.
How Sita Ramam Became a Career Milestone for Mrunal Thakur
Mrunal’s latest recollection offers a glimpse into how her association with Sita Ramam began. What started as an approach for a different character ultimately became an opportunity to play Sita, a role that remains closely associated with her career.
Her account also underlines the importance of instinct and emotional connection when choosing a project. For Mrunal, the long narration was enough to establish that the story had the qualities she was looking for.
The film’s lasting appeal and the actress’s affection for the character explain why the casting decision continues to be an interesting part of the Sita Ramam story.
Mrunal’s experience serves as a reminder that some memorable screen performances begin with an unexpected decision—and a story that makes an immediate emotional impact.
