A cinematic study of obsession, deceit, and the cost of unrequited love
In short: In the 2021 Indian thriller Tadap, a romance curdles into a violent cycle of revenge. While praised for its high-octane action and music, the film sparked intense debate over its portrayal of obsessive devotion and the heavy price of social transgression.
Directed by Milan Luthria, Tadap follows Ishana, a man whose life unravels after a clandestine affair with Ramisa. The narrative shifts from a standard romance to a gritty thriller when it is revealed that Ramisa was not only involved with another man but had also orchestrated attempts on Ishana's life out of fear. This revelation serves as the catalyst for Ishana’s transformation into an aggressive, self-disruptive figure seeking to dismantle the lives of those around him.
The film received polarized critical reception regarding its narrative depth and social messaging. While critics like Rachana Dubey praised Ahan Shetty's debut performance and the visual scale of the action, others offered sharp rebukes. Saibal Chatterjee (NDTV) and Nandini Ramnath (Scroll) both characterized the film as a 'misogynistic rant,' arguing that it valorized obsessive male love and presented a 'nasty solution' for women who do not comply with romantic expectations.
Financially, the film saw a steady opening, grossing ₹13.52 crore in its first weekend and reaching a worldwide total of ₹34.86 crore by December 30, 2021. Despite these numbers, the screenplay faced scrutiny for being 'jaded' and 'stereotyped,' highlighting a common tension in Indian cinema between high-production spectacle and nuanced storytelling.
The production was an expansive undertaking, with principal photography beginning in April 2019 across Mumbai and Mussoorie. It served as one of the final releases under the Fox Star Studios name before its rebranding to Star Studios in May 2022.
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