Director Aanand L Rai's latest cinematic offering Tere Ishk Mein presents audiences with an emotionally charged love story featuring powerhouse performances from Dhanush and Kriti Sanon, though the film struggles to maintain consistency throughout its nearly three-hour runtime.
Plot Overview and Premise
The film follows flight lieutenant Shankar, portrayed by Dhanush, who is described as outstanding, outrageous, and out of hand. Facing disciplinary action, Shankar must undergo psychological evaluation by counselor Mukti, played by Kriti Sanon, before he can return to active duty during wartime. The narrative explores their complicated past filled with intense love and the circumstances that derailed their relationship, while also examining how their reunion shapes their future paths.
Released on November 28, 2025, the film spans 2 hours and 49 minutes and is available in Hindi, Tamil, and Telugu. The movie begins with an intriguing concept suggesting that violence can be permanently eliminated from a person through proper psychological intervention.
Performance Highlights and Strengths
The film's strongest element undoubtedly lies in its performances. Dhanush delivers an exceptional portrayal of the abrasive, aggressive young man who transforms into a passionate lover and rebellious pilot. His earnestness shines through in every frame, capturing the complexity of his character's emotional journey.
Kriti Sanon matches his intensity with a high-voltage performance, particularly in the film's second half. The supporting cast, including Priyanshu Painyuli as Shankar's best friend and veteran actors Prakash Raj and Tota Roy Chowdhury as the respective fathers, provide solid backing to the lead performances.
Technical aspects also show considerable merit. Cinematographer Tushar Kanti Ray skillfully captures the lighter moments of the first half and the heightened intensity of the second. Music maestro A.R. Rahman contributes with some memorable tracks, particularly the theme song Tere Ishk Mein and the Sufi track Deewana Deewana, though the jazz-laced Jigar Thanda Re doesn't make the same impact.
Narrative Flaws and Inconsistencies
Despite its promising premise and strong performances, Tere Ishk Mein suffers from significant narrative issues. The writing by Himanshu Sharma and Neeraj Yadav becomes fragmented and convoluted as the story progresses. The plot frequently shifts between present wartime scenarios and flashbacks from the characters' past, often turning overly dramatic with elements like class divide and parental conflicts.
Character inconsistencies also plague the film. For a psychologist with a PhD, Mukti's manipulative behavior and inability to handle Shankar's intense emotions seem contradictory to her professional qualifications. The film introduces several subplots that feel disconnected from the main narrative, including a random sequence featuring Zeeshan Ayub Mohammad as a pandit making puns about Lord Shiva and mukti that appears completely out of context.
The second half further complicates matters with the introduction of a love triangle and Mukti's alcohol addiction, adding to the already convoluted plot. At nearly three hours, the film feels overlong with uneven pacing across many portions, testing audience patience despite the emotional weight of the central romance.
The film has received 2.5 ratings from both critics and users, reflecting its mixed reception among viewers and reviewers alike.
Final Verdict
Tere Ishk Mein may appeal to viewers who enjoy emotionally charged love dramas with intense performances. The film features several powerful moments, and Shankar's self-destructive love is portrayed effectively, with Lord Shiva's association with fire symbolically woven throughout the narrative.
However, for most audiences, the inconsistent writing, convoluted plot developments, and lengthy runtime may detract from what could have been a more compelling cinematic experience. While Dhanush and Kriti Sanon's performances are worth watching, the film ultimately falls short of its potential due to narrative inconsistencies and uneven execution.
