Tere Ishk Mein Movie Review: Dhanush Carries This Dark Romance on His Shoulders
Tere Ishk Mein attempts to explore the thin line between devotion and obsession through a one-sided love story, powered primarily by Dhanush’s intense screen presence. While the film aims for emotional depth and psychological complexity, it struggles to hold itself together due to a convoluted and inconsistent narrative.
Star Cast: Dhanush, Kriti Sanon, Prakash Raj, Priyanshu Painyuli, Vineet Kumar
Director: Aanand L. Rai
Language: Hindi
Runtime: 169 minutes
Available On: Theatres
What Works
Dhanush’s performance
What Doesn’t
A poorly executed and illogical script
Loo Break
Yes, especially in the second half
Watch or Skip?
Watch it only if you are a devoted Dhanush fan
Story Overview
Shankar (Dhanush) is a troubled young man living with his loving father (Prakash Raj) in a modest neighborhood. Haunted by the traumatic loss of his mother, who died saving him during a fire, Shankar channels his unresolved anger into violent outbursts that he justifies as social rebellion.
Fate brings him face-to-face with Mukti (Kriti Sanon), a psychology student presenting an ambitious thesis on controlling human violence. Their first interaction is intense and unsettling, and for Shankar, it instantly turns into an obsessive form of love. Mukti, however, is clear that her interest in him is purely academic, treating him as a subject rather than a partner.
The initial portions balance dark themes with moments of odd humor, hinting at a layered romantic drama. Unfortunately, the narrative soon spirals into far-fetched territory involving family conflicts, a fiancé, conveniently placed spiritual guides, and improbable professional achievements. Mukti’s sudden rise in her career and Shankar’s transformation into a top Indian Air Force pilot stretch credibility to its limits.
Script Analysis
The screenplay by Himanshu Sharma and Neeraj Yadav oscillates between timelines and emotional states but lacks coherence. The film opens with Mukti, now pregnant, being called to Leh Ladakh to evaluate Shankar’s mental fitness, unaware of his identity until much later. This setup promises emotional payoff but delivers confusion instead.
While dark romantic dramas have found audiences in recent years, Tere Ishk Mein loses its emotional grip after the interval. The final stretch feels excessively long, testing patience with illogical twists and forced drama. The biggest issue lies in Mukti’s characterization. As a psychologist, her decisions and methods are baffling, making her appear more confused than the man she is meant to help.
Performances
Kriti Sanon delivers a sincere performance despite being weighed down by a poorly written character. At this stage in her career, she would benefit from more selective choices, especially after strong work in films like Mimi and Crew. Still, she does what she can within the limitations of the role.
Dhanush, however, is the emotional backbone of the film. He brings depth, vulnerability, and intensity to Shankar, making the character compelling even when the writing falters. His expressions and body language effectively communicate the inner turmoil of a man torn between love and rage. Despite some repetition, his performance remains impactful and emotionally engaging.
Prakash Raj lends warmth as Shankar’s father, while Priyanshu Painyuli and Vineet Kumar offer solid support. Tota Roy Chowdhury’s performance as Mukti’s father feels over-the-top and inconsistent in tone.
Direction and Music
Aanand L. Rai leans heavily into darkness, perhaps to the film’s detriment. The emotional restraint and balance seen in his earlier works, especially the Tanu Weds Manu series, are missing here. The film often feels indulgent, focusing more on shock value than emotional authenticity.
A.R. Rahman’s music is serviceable but largely forgettable. While a couple of tracks leave a fleeting impression, the soundtrack lacks the emotional resonance typically associated with his compositions. The Tamil song written by Dhanush stands out lyrically, though its impact is limited.
Final Verdict
Tere Ishk Mein is a missed opportunity. While Dhanush delivers a compelling performance that deserves appreciation, the film is dragged down by a flawed script, inconsistent character motivations, and excessive runtime. Strong performances alone cannot salvage a narrative that loses emotional and logical grounding.
This one is likely to appeal only to hardcore fans of Dhanush. For everyone else, it is a dark romance that never fully finds its soul.
Rating: 2 out of 5 stars
