Tere Ishk Mein REVIEW: Dhanush, Kriti Sanon’s Tragic Love Story Is High On Relatability But Even Higher On Toxicity

Film:
Tere Ishk Mein

Directors: Anand L Rai

Writers: Himanshu Sharma, Neeraj Yadav

Cast: Dhanush, Kriti Sanon, Prakash Raj, Priyanshu Painyuli, Vineet Kumar, Chittaranjan Tripathy, Jaya Bhattacharya, Pushparag (Tota) Roy Choudhury, Paramvir Cheema, Ashish Verma, Mohammed Zeeshan Ayyub

Runtime: 167 minutes (2 hours, 47 minutes)

Platform: In Theatres

Tere Ishk Mein Review

Tere Ishk Mein is a quintessential Anand L Rai film of unrequited love, longing, violence, loads of emotions and tons of drama. The film is the story of Shankar Gurukkal (Dhanush) – an angry man who is also the president of DUSU. He is notorious for his rebellious, violent nature, until he falls head over heels for Mukti Behniwal (Kriti Sanon). Mukti is a student in the same college who is pursuing her doctorate. While pitching her thesis – that any violent man can undergo a complete transformation and become a nonviolent, peace-loving human being if treated correctly Shankar makes a violent entry while chasing a student standing against him in the upcoming elections.

Seeing the violence and ruckus, Mukti’s professors (played by Chittaranjan Tripathy, Jaya Bhattacharya) state that such violent men can never be reformed and suggest she change her topic. Wanting to prove them wrong and get her doctorate – as they agree to pass her thesis if she’s sucessful, Mukti takes it upon herself to reform him. Initially, Shankar shows no interest of becoming a better person, but relents later on owing to his growing bond with Mukti. As time passes – 3 months, Shankar falls deeply in love with her and completely transforms himself, helping Mukti complete her PhD.

However, when after some drama, Shankar gets to know Mukti’s real feelings for him and makes Delhi burn in his love. 7 years later, they meet again – but are they who they were before? What happens next forms the rest of the film and it’s filled with loads of drama, emotions and toxicity.

What Works

The story – penned by  Himanshu Sharma and Neeraj Yadav, is something today’s generation is enjoying. A heartbroken lover moving mountains to be with the partner they love is the flavour of the season and will click with many. AR Rahman’s music adds depth to the drama and chaos.

What Doesn’t Work

The film follows a non-linear storytelling pattern with the narrative switching time and time again between the present and 7 years ago. A lot things happen very conveniently – like Dhanush entering a heavily secure home with petrol bombs and no one stopping him, and makes you question logic. The second half – it’s nothing short of a rollercoaster ride after enjoying a bucket full of popcorn, hot dog and coke.

Technical Analysis

Story, Screenplay & Dialogues

Himanshu Sharma and Neeraj Yadav have hit he bull’s eye with their core story – a heartbroken man who leaves no stone unturned to win over the woman he loves. The duo’s screenplay – though engaging at moment, is quite confusing and will make you question who’s who and how things happened long after you leave the theatre. The dialogue – though toxic and cringe, do standout and will be liked by many die-heart ‘aashiqes’

The screenplay – especially in the present-day, is confusing. The writers have taken way too many cinematic liberties -like showing an injured Shankar enter an IAS officer’s residence without being stopped, a depressed pregnant woman being a heavy alcoholic and still smoking and even flying while 9-months pregnant. Take cinematic liberties – but do it in a believable manner.

Direction

Aanand L Rai’s direction is engaging. While its something you expect from Anand, it still has aspects that will surprise you. The manner in which he captures certain scenes and emotions land perfectly bu they get overpowered and overlooked by the toxicity and insistences.

Music

AR Rahman is the best at what he does, and the music of Tere Ishk Mein proves it once more. The songs as well as the background score help make the narrative immersive despite its shortcomings. While both version of Jigar Thanda are impressive, the title track is not completely played in the film. The amil track – Chinnaware, stands out not only cause of the language but also because of the energy with which it’s performed.

Tere Ishk Mein Star Cast

The performance sway between strong and mediocre. Dhanush’s performance as Shankar is compelling – you can feel his raw fury and fragile vulnerability as well as his restrain. Kriti delivers one of her most strongest performances but it falters at time – this could also be owing to her character’s rollercoaster arch.

Prakash Raj leaves a tremendous mark despite having only a cameo appearance. Tota Roy Chowdhury (Yashwant Behniwal), Priyanshu Painyuli (Ved) manage to their hold own despite limited screen time. Chittaranjan Tripathy and Jaya Bhattacharya as Mukti’s professors, Paramvir Cheema as Jasjeet) and Viineet Kumar Siingh as V Shekhawat do justice. Mohd Zeeshan Ayyub steals the scene for during his 20 second appearance.

Conclusion

While Tere Ishk Mein isn’t something the critics are going to like – its core is something the audience is sure to salivate for.

Watch the trailer of Tere Ishk Mein here:

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Also Read: Gustaakh Ishq REVIEW: Vijay Varma, Fatima Sana Shaikh, Naseeruddin Shah’s Retro Love Saga Fails To Impress Gen-Z

Grinell Jacinto

With nearly 10 years of experience, Grinell Esther Jacinto is the Desk Head of Bollywood Bubble. Her interests lie in everything that is kaleshi and she loves to dig deeper into the lives of B-town actors. She has a problem though – she loves horror films but will have chills the minute the theatres lights dims. She’s previously worked with Koimoi, UrbanAsian and SpotboyE.