Director: Aanand L Rai
Rating: **½
“Tere Ishq Mein” attempts to weave passion, conflict, and class divide into a gripping cinematic experience. With an unconventional lead pairing — Dhanush and Kriti Sanon — the film promises freshness. But does this high-voltage emotional drama deliver, or does it crumble under its own weight?
A Unique Casting Choice: Dhanush & Kriti Sanon’s On-Screen Chemistry
Casting Dhanush and Kriti Sanon together is bold and refreshing. Their contrasting personalities spark intrigue: Dhanush brings raw intensity, while Kriti delivers polished elegance. This unique dynamic forms the backbone of “Tere Ishq Mein”.
The story introduces Shankar, played by Dhanush — an angry young man from the gritty slums of Delhi. He falls deeply in love with Mukti, portrayed by Kriti Sanon, a South Delhi girl and daughter of a high-ranking IAS officer. This interclass romance sets the stage for emotional highs and volatile confrontations.
A Chaotic Opening: Shankar as a Troubled Air Force Pilot
The film opens with a surprising twist — Shankar is now an Indian Air Force pilot. He is brilliant, fearless, and highly skilled, yet struggles with severe behavioral issues. His refusal to obey commands places him at constant odds with his seniors.
Mukti enters the war zone as a psychologist assigned to counsel him. Her character is layered: she is pregnant, battles health issues, and struggles with alcoholism. Despite all this, she insists on treating Shankar after reviewing his complex case. This narrative choice feels unrealistic, stretching cinematic liberty beyond logic and believability.
Backstory Revealed: A Case Study That Turns Into Obsession
As the storyline shifts between past and present, the audience learns the truth about their first encounter.
Mukti, pursuing a PhD in anger management, faces pressure to present a breakthrough case study. She chooses Shankar — known throughout the city as a dangerous, impulsive man. What starts as academic research soon transforms into a complicated emotional entanglement.
Shankar falls intensely in love, but Mukti remains aware of the impossibility of their relationship. Their worlds are drastically different — socially, financially, and emotionally — making their connection fragile from the very beginning.
Direction by Aanand L Rai: Engaging but Shallow
Aanand L Rai is known for emotionally rich storytelling, but “Tere Ishq Mein” struggles to maintain depth. While the first half is engaging, the narrative weakens significantly in the second half.
Instead of evolving into a powerful love story, it becomes a repetitive cycle of conflict. The film drags, especially after the midpoint, turning into a prolonged commentary on class differences — the privileged vs. the marginalized. Unfortunately, it lacks nuance and subtlety.
The screenplay tries to explore complex characters, yet never fully commits to understanding them. This leaves the audience emotionally disconnected.
Standout Performance: Prakash Raj as Raghav
Prakash Raj shines as Shankar’s father, Raghav. His portrayal of a helpless parent dealing with his son’s uncontrollable anger adds emotional depth to the film. His pain, frustration, and love feel genuine and relatable.
Raghav’s character becomes a reminder of what the film could have achieved with tighter writing and greater emotional clarity.
Major Drawbacks: Overlength, Overdramatization & Unrealistic Elements
Despite strong performances, the film suffers from several noticeable flaws:
1. Overstretched Narrative
The story could have been sharper and more impactful with tighter editing. Instead, it drags, testing the audience’s patience.
2. Excessive Cinematic Liberties
Certain elements — such as a pregnant, unwell psychologist entering a war zone — feel forced and unnecessary.
3. Lack of Consistency
The constant jumps between timelines disrupt the flow rather than strengthening the storytelling.
4. Mismatched Tonal Execution
What works in regional cinema may not always resonate with a pan-Indian audience. This film falls into that trap.
Final Verdict: A Passionate Story That Falls Short of Potential
“Tere Ishq Mein” is built on a strong foundation — a unique pairing, intense characters, and promising themes. However, the execution fails to match the ambition.
While Dhanush and Kriti Sanon deliver compelling performances, they cannot save a script weighed down by excessive length, inconsistent pacing, and unbelievable plot choices. Aanand L Rai’s storytelling charm appears diluted, leaving the audience wanting more depth and coherence.
“Tere Ishq Mein” is a film with heart, but not enough discipline to make the audience truly feel it. It entertains in parts, but ultimately struggles to rise above its narrative flaws.
