Tere Ishk Mein – Movie Review

Tere Ishk Mein

Film: Tere Ishk Mein (2025)

Director: Aanand L. Rai

Starring: Dhanush, Kriti Sanon

Music: A. R. Rahman

Plot & Premise

Tere Ishk Mein begins with a bold premise: a psychology-student Mukti (Kriti Sanon) believes that even violent, troubled individuals can change through empathy and therapy. She picks Shankar (Dhanush), a fiery, aggressive college-political leader, as a subject for her thesis. As she tries to “fix” him, Shankar gradually falls in love. But Mukti treats their relationship as mere research. Years later, their painful past resurfaces at a time when Shankar is in the Air Force — and the story spirals into a blend of love, betrayal, obsession and redemption. 3

What Works

• Performances: Dhanush delivers a raw, emotionally charged portrayal, particularly in the film’s intense, dramatic moments. Kriti Sanon, too, matches him in many scenes, adding sensitivity and strength to her character. 4
• Music & Atmosphere: With music by A. R. Rahman, the soundtrack adds considerable emotional weight. Some songs and background score elevate scenes — especially when the film leans into romance or heartbreak. 5
• Moments of Emotional Impact: The second half offers a few powerful, heartbreaking scenes that stick with you — for viewers who accept the film on its own melodramatic, larger-than-life terms. 6

Major Flaws

• Problematic Story & Toxic Romance: The film normalizes obsessive and controlling behavior under the guise of “love,” which feels outdated and irresponsible in 2025. Several critics have called the love story “toxic,” and argue that the moral and emotional implications are deeply troubling. 7
• Fragmented Script & Weak Logic: After a promising start, the narrative becomes convoluted: multiple sub-plots, abrupt tonal shifts (romance → violence → patriotic drama), and unrealistic plot points hamper immersion. 8
• Pacing Issues & Overlong Runtime: At about 169 minutes, the film feels stretched. The first half drags in parts, and the tonal imbalance makes emotional moments less effective than they should have been. 9
• Outdated Themes & Sensibilities: The film tries to revive a style of melodrama and possessive romance that many consider regressive. In today’s social context, such themes prompt discomfort more than nostalgia. 10

Verdict

Tere Ishk Mein is a film of contrasts: on one hand, strong performances and evocative music give it emotional weight; on the other hand, a problematic narrative and melodramatic excesses undermine those strengths. If you approach it expecting a traditional, larger-than-life Bollywood romance — and can overlook the toxicity — you might find moments that resonate. But if you demand emotional responsibility and coherent storytelling, the film will likely disappoint.

Rating: ★★☆☆☆ (2 out of 5)

Should You Watch It?

Watch it if you enjoy dramatic, intense love stories and don’t mind moral ambiguity in romance. Skip it if you dislike glorification of toxic relationships or prefer realistic, thoughtful cinema.