For better or worse, marriage links the fate of two people for the rest of their lives, even long after it has ended. So when separated because of kidnapping, of course a loving spouse would do all they can to reunite again. It’s this motivation that drives Roja, both the character and film. Through a couple torn apart, Roja urges the nation to bring them together by bringing the region and the whole of India together, by ensuring that the region doesn’t separate from the whole. Admittedly, the pan-India nationalism does somewhat detract from the couple’s struggle, as it includes some plot points that needlessly endanger both of them. However, Roja as a romance is quite compelling, maybe just enough to ignore its flaws as a political thriller.

The flag saving scene took me out of the film just a little bit, to be honest. It’s understandable for a film promoting the idea of India as a whole, but it doesn’t make sense for a kidnapped person who is surrounded by supposedly dangerous people.