Exploring the Dark Themes in Tisca Chopra's 'Saali Mohabbat'

Tisca Chopra's 'Saali Mohabbat' delves into the dark themes of desire and punishment, featuring Radhika Apte as a housewife caught in a web of betrayal. The film, available on ZEE5, explores the consequences of infidelity and the complexities of human emotions. With a gripping narrative and well-developed characters, it promises to keep viewers on the edge of their seats. As the story unfolds in the town of Fursatgarh, the tension escalates, leading to unexpected twists. Join us as we explore the intricacies of this compelling tale that intertwines crime and morality.

By Narendra Chaudhary Dec 17, 2025, 20:17 IST

A Cautionary Tale of Lust and Consequences

In the short film Chutney, Tisca Chopra portrays a character who shares a cautionary narrative about desire and retribution with a woman flirting with her spouse. Chopra not only stars in but also co-wrote this twist-filled short film. Her debut feature, Saali Mohabbat, builds upon themes introduced in Chutney.

Saali Mohabbat, now available on ZEE5, features Radhika Apte as Kavita, a seemingly meek housewife reminiscent of characters from Mannu Bhandari's stories. Kavita, well-versed in crime fiction, confronts her husband during a party when she catches him in an intimate moment with a guest, leading her to recount a tale of lust and its repercussions.

Set in the town of Fursatgarh, Smita (also played by Apte) is wed to Pankaj (Anshumaan Pushkar), a gambler deeply in debt to the extravagant Gajendra (Anurag Kashyap). When Smita's cousin Shalini (Sauraseni Mitra) becomes involved with Pankaj, their subsequent deaths make Smita the prime suspect in the eyes of the investigating officer, Ratan (Divyenndu).

The film features Sharat Saxena in an unexpected role as a protective gardener. Tisca Chopra's narrative of a chilling crime, co-written with Sanjay Chopra, showcases a warm approach towards the cast. Each character is well-developed and thoughtfully directed, allowing them to leave a lasting impression in a film that primarily highlights Radhika Apte's captivating restraint.

Despite her self-perception as unattractive—an aspect of the film that feels less convincing—Smita is far from passive. Apte skillfully conveys Smita's inner turmoil and dignity amidst the affair between Pankaj and Shalini. Smita embodies resilience, akin to a small plant breaking through a rocky surface, a metaphor cleverly woven into the script.

With a lean narrative style, Saali Mohabbat confidently joins the ranks of films exploring themes of righteous crime, though it lacks depth. The 104-minute runtime is somewhat devoid of suspense and could have benefited from more nuanced character development. The story appears to set the stage for a sequel, leaving some threads unresolved instead of providing a conclusive narrative.

While Smita stands out as the most intriguing character, the supporting cast also leaves a memorable impact. Divyenndu shines as a dubious cop navigating the complexities of a woman harboring secrets within her sari.