Review: Tere Ishk Mein : Dhanush Sparkles, Kriti Shines!

In recent years, Bollywood has showcased the alpha male concept prominently, especially after the massive success of Kabir Singh and Animal. Joining this list is Aanand L. Rai’s latest film, Tere Ishk Mein. In fact, the film could easily have been titled Raanjhanaa 2.

The story traces Shankar’s journey from a violent young man to an ace fighter pilot in the Indian Air Force. Shankar (#Dhanush), the president of the Delhi University student union, is feared by most students. His close friend, played by Priyanshu Painyuli, supports him unwaveringly. The two eventually clash with Mukti (#KritiSanon), a PhD scholar researching human anger management. For Shankar, it is love at first sight, and he readily agrees to become the subject of her case study. The narrative progresses with doses of violence and bloodshed, eventually shaping Shankar into a heartbroken lover who channels his rage into joining the Air Force. What happens thereafter forms the crux of the story.

The plot is filled with multiple twists, and the screenplay is packed with subplots. The pre-interval portion is gripping, but post-interval, the film loses direction as the director complicates the narrative unnecessarily. While the flashback technique is used skillfully, the sudden disappearance of Shankar’s friend from his later life and Mukti’s abrupt 180-degree behavioural shift feel questionable. At 169 minutes, the film is excessively long, and tighter editing could have significantly enhanced its impact.

A.R. Rahman’s music elevates the proceedings, and the production values are impressive. The cinematography is excellent, and the war sequences are crisply shot. The cast ultimately saves the film from nosediving. Dhanush is exceptional, particularly in emotional scenes, his expressions convey what words need not. He choreographs his character’s emotional arc beautifully. Kriti Sanon, too, is excellent. Looking radiant on screen, she portrays her character’s range of emotions with ease. Together, Dhanush and Kriti complement each other wonderfully. Others, including Prakash Raj and Priyanshu Painyuli, offer capable support.

Tere Ishk Mein is an emotionally stirring film which falters in the last hour.

Rating: ***

By Keerti Kadam