Actress Kriti Sanon has stepped forward to offer a detailed defence of her character, Mukti, in the film Tere Ishk Mein, following significant criticism from audiences and reviewers about the toxic traits displayed by both protagonists. The film, starring Dhanush and Sanon and directed by Anand L Rai, has sparked widespread debate for its portrayal of two deeply flawed individuals.
Addressing the 'Toxic' Label
In a recent interview, Kriti Sanon responded to the critiques that labelled both her character and Dhanush's Shankar as 'toxic' and 'red flags'. She noted that these terms have become commonplace in modern discourse. "People debating whether the characters are right or wrong is actually a great thing," Sanon stated. She emphasized the complexity of human nature, adding, "If your moral compass isn't clearly aligned with just one person, that's good—because human beings make mistakes."
The actress argued that Mukti's actions, including her obsessive need to fix Shankar and her subsequent struggle with alcoholism, stem from a place of profound guilt, not malice. "Every time you do something wrong—if your heart isn't evil and you're not a bad person—there's always a reason behind why you did what you did," she explained, suggesting that Mukti's perspective is driven by emotional and personal turmoil.
The Reason Behind Giving the Baby to Shankar
One of the most debated plot points among viewers was Mukti's decision to give her baby to Shankar. Kriti Sanon elaborated on the multitude of reasons behind this pivotal choice. She described Mukti as an empathetic person crushed by immense guilt, particularly after the accidental death of Shankar's father, played by Prakash Raj.
"Imagine the kind of guilt such a person would carry if they feel they have unintentionally destroyed someone's life, or even caused their death. Her guilt is immense," Sanon said. This guilt leads Mukti to a state of despair where she "gives up" and "wants to die." Furthermore, after searching for Shankar and failing to find him, Mukti genuinely believes he may have taken his own life.
"Living with that guilt and then suddenly realising he is alive—she would go to meet him no matter what," the actress continued. "And at that point, she believes he is the only person she can trust with her child." This tragic chain of reasoning, rooted in self-punishment and a fractured sense of trust, forms the core of Mukti's controversial decision.
Box Office Performance and Collaboration
Despite the polarizing nature of its characters, Tere Ishk Mein has performed robustly at the box office. The film opened with a collection of Rs 16 crore and has gone on to earn an impressive Rs 157.25 crore worldwide in 17 days. Produced on a reported budget of Rs 95 crore, this project marks the third collaboration between director Anand L Rai and actor Dhanush, following their previous successful ventures, Raanjhanaa and Atrangi Re.
The film was initially anticipated as another story focusing on an 'alpha male' archetype. However, it subverted expectations by presenting two emotionally directionless leads whose toxic behaviours and personal traumas lead them toward a path of mutual self-destruction. The ensuing public conversation about morality, flaws, and redemption, as highlighted by Kriti Sanon's comments, has become a significant part of the film's legacy.
