Aanand L Rai Breaks Silence on Tere Ishk Mein Comparisons With Animal
Aanand L Rai Breaks Silence on Tere Ishk Mein Comparisons With Animal
As the release of Tere Ishk Mein draws near, director Aanand L Rai has addressed the growing chatter around the film’s intense tone and its comparisons with Ranbir Kapoor’s Animal. Starring Dhanush and Kriti Sanon, the romantic drama is set to hit theatres on 27 November, marking the filmmaker’s third collaboration with Dhanush after Raanjhanaa and Atrangi Re.
‘Just Because a Character Has Rage Doesn’t Make It the Same Story’
Ever since the trailer was unveiled, viewers have drawn parallels between Dhanush’s fierce portrayal in Tere Ishk Mein and the violent, alpha-driven characters seen in Animal and Kabir Singh. Social media discussions even questioned whether Rai’s film explores similar themes of toxic masculinity.
Responding to these comparisons in an interview with The Hindu, Aanand L Rai clarified that such assumptions oversimplify the narrative.
“It doesn’t belong in the same space,” he said. “There are similarities in how the characters have aggression and rage. But those are just ingredients, not the story.”
Rai further addressed the viral clip of Dhanush storming into a wedding—one that sparked debates about the character being portrayed as an “alpha male.”
“A story is never conceived thinking of your character as an alpha,” he explained. “For me, the character is emotional and sensitive. Nothing he does is wrong from his own perspective.”
Aanand L Rai Breaks Silence on Tere Ishk Mein Comparisons With Animal
A Deep Bond With Dhanush: ‘Now I Have a Son’
The film also marks another chapter in the long-standing creative bond between Rai and Dhanush. Reflecting on their journey, the director shared a personal sentiment about their evolving relationship.
“When we first worked together, Dhanush was no more than an actor. Over the years, I can say, now I have a son,” he said. Calling their partnership “magical,” Rai added that their understanding goes beyond cinema. – Aanand L Rai Breaks Silence on Tere Ishk Mein Comparisons With Animal
AR Rahman: The Musical Backbone
Alongside Dhanush, another familiar collaborator returns—AR Rahman, who also composed for Raanjhanaa and Atrangi Re. Rai emphasized how crucial Rahman’s music is when a story is dense with emotional layers.
“Whenever I have a layered story that has a lot to say, I need him,” the director said. “I can’t drive a film with such intensity alone. He is like a strong pillar holding the roof together.”
Aanand L Rai Breaks Silence on Tere Ishk Mein Comparisons With Animal
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