Tere Ishq Mein: Aanand L Rai's Controversial Take on Love and Blame
In the realm of Bollywood cinema, where narratives often shape societal perceptions, Aanand L Rai's latest directorial venture, Tere Ishq Mein, has sparked significant debate. Starring Dhanush and Kriti Sanon, the film delves into themes of love and obsession, but critics argue it perpetuates harmful stereotypes by placing undue blame on women for relationship failures.
A Troubling Interpretation of Relationships
The film's core premise, as highlighted by reviewers, suggests that any discord in a man-woman relationship is inherently the woman's fault. This perspective echoes outdated social misconceptions that treat adult men as incapable of handling rejection, thereby absolving them of accountability. Rai, along with writers Himanshu Sharma and Neeraj Yadav, crafts a story that romanticizes toxicity under the guise of passionate love, drawing parallels to Yash Chopra's 1993 film Darr, which similarly glorified obsessive behavior.
Character Portrayals: Kriti Sanon's Mukti as a Scapegoat
Kriti Sanon's character, Mukti, is introduced as a seductress whose mere presence disrupts the life of Shankar, played by Dhanush. The narrative frames Shankar's violent tendencies as a personality trait, while assigning Mukti the impossible task of reforming him. Throughout the film, she is depicted as leading him on with unspoken promises, only to be vilified when his behavior fails to improve. This vamp-ification extends beyond her role as a potential partner; she is portrayed as an irresponsible mother, a failed daughter, and even an obstacle to national service when Shankar becomes an IAF officer.
Key Issues in the Plot:- Mukti is blamed for Shankar's anger issues, despite his pre-existing violent history.
- The film overlooks Shankar's lack of responsibility, instead focusing on Mukti's perceived failures.
- In a convoluted twist, Mukti is tasked with clearing Shankar for combat, further emphasizing her role as a hindrance.
Broader Implications and Social Commentary
Tere Ishq Mein raises concerns about its impact on impressionable audiences, particularly youth who might internalize its messages about love and blame. By exonerating Shankar for his actions—including a scene where he nearly burns someone alive—and placing the burden on Mukti, the film reinforces a dangerous narrative. Critics note that this approach surpasses even the controversial works of directors like Sandeep Reddy Vanga, as it provides a blueprint for shifting responsibility from men to women in toxic dynamics.
Cinematic and Educational Criticisms
Beyond its gender politics, the film has been panned for its unrealistic portrayal of education and professional life. For instance, a law student from Delhi University is shown confusing CBSE with UPSC, and a PhD scholar conducts unethical human experiments. These inaccuracies undermine the film's credibility, leading viewers to question whether the creators have any real-world understanding of academic institutions.
Final Thoughts:As cinema serves as a conversation-starter, Tere Ishq Mein risks steering discussions in a regressive direction. By martyring Shankar and demonizing Mukti, Aanand L Rai's film fails to offer a balanced or objective view of relationships. Instead, it perpetuates a cycle of blame that has no place in modern storytelling, urging audiences to reflect on the harmful tropes it reinforces.
