Tere Ishk Mein Review: Dhanush-Kriti Sanon deliver high-voltage performances in a turbulent love story

Aanand L. Rai’s Tere Ishk Mein arrives as a gritty, emotionally charged love saga set against the chaotic, spiritual canvas of Varanasi. The film follows Shankar (Dhanush) and Mukti (Kriti Sanon), two lovers bound by an intensity that often crosses into dangerous territory. While the premise may feel familiar, Rai’s treatment gives the story a heavier, more unsettling undertone.

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Performances That Hold the Film Together

Critics and early audiences unanimously highlight the powerhouse performances at the centre of the film. Dhanush portrays Shankar with a simmering rage mixed with aching vulnerability - a combination that makes his character both compelling and unpredictable. Kriti Sanon, in what many viewers call one of her strongest roles yet, brings depth and emotional sharpness to Mukti, allowing her to stand toe-to-toe with Dhanush’s raw energy.

AR Rahman’s background score emerges as one of the film’s biggest assets. His music adds a haunting emotional layer, often elevating scenes where the screenplay feels stretched.

Narrative Strengths and Stumbling Blocks

Despite its gripping performances, Tere Ishk Mein struggles with pacing and tonal consistency. The first half unfolds with promise, but the second half occasionally dips into melodrama, with repeated cycles of anger, heartbreak and reconciliation. Several reviewers note that the story edges toward toxicity, blurring the lines between passionate love and emotional destruction.

Still, Rai’s direction ensures that the emotional stakes remain high throughout, even when the script falters.

Social Media Reactions: Divided but Loud

Audiences on social platforms have reacted strongly - both in praise and criticism. Many applauded the lead pair.

One user wrote, “Dhanush × Kriti is the duo we didn’t know we needed. Intensity on point!” (sic)

 “Kriti Sanon delivers a career-best performance,” wrote another. (sic)

But the film has also faced sharp criticism.

One user opined, “The story loses its grip in the finale.” (sic)

Another wrote, “Toxic, chaotic and emotionally exhausting.” (sic)

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Verdict

Tere Ishk Mein is not a typical Bollywood romance. It is intense, unpredictable and emotionally heavy - a film driven more by performances and music than by its script. For viewers open to a darker shade of love, this drama offers enough to hold attention.

Those expecting a softer, feel-good romance may find the film overwhelming, but the emotional force of Dhanush and Kriti remains undeniable.