Dhanush-Kriti Sanon’s Tere Ishq Mein Review: Emotional Romance with Flaws

Aanand L Rai’s Tere Ishq Mein stars Dhanush and Kriti Sanon in a whirlwind love story reminiscent of the director’s earlier hit, Raanjhanaa.

There were high expectations around this release for two key reasons. First, it is reportedly set in the same universe as Raanjhanaa, a tale of obsessive love that led its protagonist to ruin back in 2013. Since then, films like Kabir Singh and Animal have pushed the boundaries of how intense relationships are portrayed on screen.

Second, this story flips the script: it is the female lead who exhibits obsessive tendencies.

And honestly, the film’s developments on the big screen were quite unexpected.

Plot Overview

The narrative revolves around Shankar, an Air Force pilot grounded for disobedience, whose evaluation by psychologist Mukti stirs memories of their stormy past. The story follows their passionate college romance, her attempts to temper his impulsiveness, and the heartbreak that continues to affect his present.

Writers Himanshu Sharma and Neeraj Yadav deserve credit for a screenplay that grips the audience especially in the first half. The opening sequences are engaging, immersing viewers in the world Aanand L Rai constructs. But as the film approaches the intermission, the momentum dips. A sudden shift toward a wager between Shankar and Mukti’s father weakens the narrative focus.

Verdict

The second half begins on an unsteady note but regains balance when it returns to the intense, all-consuming love between the leads. Looking back, Shankar and Mukti’s relationship borders on the psychological boundaries of a therapist-patient dynamic, creating some convoluted situations that might have benefited from tighter editing.

The climax recalls Raanjhanaa and delivers strong emotional impact, largely due to the actors’ performances. Dhanush excels, carving a distinct identity for Shankar separate from Kundan in Raanjhanaa, while Kriti Sanon brings both charm and depth to her role. Their chemistry feels authentic and compelling.

Supporting performances by Mohammad Zeeshan Ayyub in a cameo and Prakash Raj as Shankar’s father strengthen the story’s connection to Raanjhanaa. AR Rahman’s music complements the narrative seamlessly.

While Tere Ishq Mein is far from perfect, its emotional highs hit hard. By the film’s conclusion, it becomes clear that this isn’t a conventional love story seeking approval—it draws you in, fragment by fragment, until you are completely immersed in its intensity.