Over the years, Bollywood has delivered its fair share of intense romantic sagas where men go to extreme lengths to win over their beloved. From Saiyaara to Ek Deewane Ki Deewaniyat, we know this familiar trope well. Tere Ishk Mein, from the makers of Raanjhanaa, attempts to revisit that passion-fuelled narrative. Does this live up to the hype, and does Aanand L Rai’s narrative leave a mark? Let’s find out.
Story of Tere Ishk Mein
The film opens by introducing Shankar (Dhanush), the Indian Air Force’s brightest yet dangerously impulsive pilot, who is forced into therapy due to his unmanageable temper. Enter Mukti (Kriti Sanon), a therapist who drowns herself in alcohol yet chooses to take on his case. The twist? They share a complicated past.
Seven years ago, Mukti was pitching her PhD thesis, which argued that even the most violent men can transform into peace-loving individuals with the right treatment.
Midway through her presentation, Shankar barged in and caused chaos. Determined, she took him under her wing and eventually succeeded in reforming him, helping her secure her doctorate. But when Shankar fell deeply in love with her, but she resents it.
She later hatches a plan to improve Shankar’s life by insisting he meet her father, who agrees to their alliance if Shankar passes the UPSC exam. He does so after three attempts and arrives to inform Mukti. However, a cruel revelation makes him cross all boundaries in his passionate rage for love. While he now strives to become a successful Air Force pilot, Mukti drowns in alcohol while also being pregnant. Whose child is she expecting? What unfolds when the two cross paths after seven long years? The film holds these answers.
Review
Tere Ishk Mein is more of a revenge than a romance. Aanand L Rai, known for his raw emotions, striking visuals, and heartfelt storytelling, once again crafts moments that shine. The emotional core is solid, and certain sequences land beautifully. However, the film’s uneven pacing frequently derails its impact. The treatment feels all over the place and messy.
The first half delivers humour, drama, and gripping action. But the momentum falters in the latter half as the film rushes toward an abrupt, convenient, and illogical climax. The screenplay struggles to maintain coherence
Himanshu Sharma and Neeraj Yadav clearly wanted the audience to relive the era of the hero crossing all boundaries for his unrequited love, but none of the actions or events have a strong sense of connectivity. The twists and turns, though interesting, could’ve struck a chord with a more nuanced plotline.
There are several cinematic liberties taken in the film, which fail to strike a chord. For instance, Mukti herself is suffering from depression and is heavily pregnant, yet she takes on the assignment. While she calls off her wedding, she is shown pregnant, but it remains unclear whose child it is. When Dhanush sees Kriti getting engaged to Jasveer, he burns down her whole house, yet during her haldi he arrives to pour Gangajal on her. These scenes, though intense and engaging, leave you disappointed with the unclear ending. What disappoints even more is that the title track appears nowhere in the film. The music by Rahman is also forgettable overall.
The performances are one of the major strengths of the film. Dhanush’s character graph stays steady throughout—he`s intense, fierce, and deeply passionate. His effort to internalise an intense character is palpable. As a brooding and abrasive Shankar, he stands out in every frame. His scenes, especially with his dad, played by Prakash Raj, are endearing. Prakash Raj pulls off his act with ample warmth and conviction, lending gravitas to the narrative.
Next comes Kriti Sanon, who surprises you with her range as an actress. She nails the complex character with ease. Mohd Zeeshan Ayyub (Murari) blows your mind with his surprising act, and it remains to be seen if viewers recollect him from Raanjhanaa. Priyanshu Painyuli, Tota Roy Chowdhury, and others lend able support.
Final verdict for the film
Sadly, the film, in totality, fails to tug at your heartstrings. While Kriti Sanon and Dhanush’s performances keep you intrigued, the screenplay lacks the spunk and spark needed to elevate the narrative. Overall, it’s a familiar rom-com, recycled without adding depth.