'Don't want to be...politically correct': Director on 'Tere Ishk Mein'
What's the story
As his latest film, Tere Ishk Mein, gears up for release, director Aanand L Rai is busy with post-production work. The film, starring Dhanush and Kriti Sanon, has sparked speculation about being a spiritual successor to his 2013 hit Raanjhanaa. In a recent interview, Rai spoke about the similarities and differences between the two films and his approach to storytelling.
Film insights
Rai's perspective on 'Tere Ishk Mein' and 'Raanjhanaa'
Speaking to Mid-Day, Rai explained his affinity for intense love stories, stating, "Every artiste has at least two spaces: the rom-coms and the intense love stories. [The latter] is the space I return to." He added, "This is my third intense love story if you count Atrangi Re [2021], but for reasons reserved for the film, it's actually my second."
Creative integrity
Rai's commitment to honest storytelling
Rai dismissed concerns about his films being labeled as toxic. He said, "In my head, Raanjhanaa was never toxic. I was talking about two people whose definitions of love are very different." "I don't know any other way to make films. I live for debates. I don't want to divert myself toward being safe or politically correct. My only job is to tell an honest story."
Audience perspective
Rai's response to audience expectations and film modifications
Rai further added, "Critics have a different point of view; they are waiting to dislike you, and if you surprise them, they get happy. But the audience comes with love in their heart." The filmmaker also reflected on the recent controversy over an AI-generated alternate ending for Raanjhanaa, which was released without his consent. "What I realized is that the film doesn't belong to me anymore. It belongs to the audience; they protested more than I did."
Actor insights
Rai's collaboration with Dhanush and Sanon
Rai also spoke about his relationship with actors Dhanush and Sanon. He said, "Going to him is like going to my son and saying, 'This is the story I want to tell.' He has a perspective on how to make it and not whether he should do it." Tere Ishk Mein releases on November 28.