Kriti Sanon on ‘Tere Ishk Mein’ Role Being Called Toxic: ‘If Your Heart Is Not Wrong…’

Kriti Sanon was recently seen in Tere Ishk Mein, director Aanand L Rai’s intense love story featuring Dhanush in the lead.

While her performance as Mukti drew widespread praise, the character has also sparked debate online, with some viewers labelling her as “toxic” and a “red flag”.

Reacting to the discourse in a conversation with Zoom, Kriti said such labels have become increasingly common. “‘Toxic’ and ‘red flag’ — these terms are used a lot now. It’s good that the discussion is happening. Debate is an important part of art. In the end, many people feel both characters are right and wrong at different points,” she said.

The actor added that moral absolutes rarely apply to complex characters. “Your moral compass doesn’t tilt entirely towards one person, and that’s a good thing because human beings make mistakes. If your heart isn’t wrong and you’re not an evil person, and you make a mistake, there’s always a reason behind it. It’s a matter of perspective,” Kriti explained.

Kriti admitted she closely follows audience reactions on social media. “Yes, I’m obsessed. I read what people are saying — not just critics. I love debating because that’s the point of art. Not everyone looks at a painting the same way, and cinema is no different,” she said.

She added that Tere Ishk Mein resonates because it portrays flawed relationships honestly. “The film shows toxic love, but it also has the girl calling out that toxicity,” she noted.

The film traces the emotionally charged journey of Shankar, a volatile young man deeply in love with Mukti. Their bond forms during their college years, but takes a painful turn when Mukti chooses to marry someone else. The story explores an intense, often irrational love that defies logic, circumstance and destiny.