Radhika Apte on Her Role in ‘Saali Mohabbat’

New Delhi, December 24, 2025: In the gritty world of noir cinema, the atmosphere often does as much heavy lifting as the script. In Tisca Chopra’s directorial debut, Saali Mohabbat, nature isn’t just a backdrop—it’s a central player. Leading lady Radhika Apte recently opened up about the film’s unique narrative structure, highlighting how plants and gardening were woven into the story as “characters in themselves.”

A Thriller with a Green Thumb

Saali Mohabbat, which recently premiered at the International Film Festival of India (IFFI), marks a significant shift in how domestic thrillers are visualized. Moving away from the typical dark alleys and rain-soaked streets, the film finds its tension within the manicured yet suffocating confines of a home garden.

Radhika Apte plays a woman whose life is as intertwined with her flora as it is with the brewing mystery of the plot. “When we think of gardening, we think of peace and nurturing,” Apte remarked during a promotional event. “But in this film, the act of gardening is used to mask secrets. The plants witness everything, and they grow out of the very secrets the characters try to bury.”

The “Botanical Noir” Aesthetic

Director Tisca Chopra, known for her sharp eye for detail, intentionally used greenery to create a sense of unease. The vibrant colors of the flowers often contrast sharply with the dark, psychological undertones of the story. This creates a “botanical noir” aesthetic where the beauty of nature serves as a deceptive veil.

Apte noted that her preparation for the role involved understanding the rhythm of a gardener. The patience required to grow a plant mirrors the slow-burn tension of the thriller. The plants act as silent observers of the domestic friction and criminal intrigue, making the environment feel alive and, at times, judgmental.

Why This Matters for Indian Cinema

The buzz surrounding Saali Mohabbat suggests a maturing of the thriller genre in India. By giving “agency” to the environment, the film moves beyond dialogue-heavy scenes to visual storytelling.

Key themes explored through nature in the film include:

• The Cycle of Life and Death: How soil can both give life and hide the evidence of its end.
• Nurturing vs. Control: The thin line between caring for something and stifling it.
• Silence as Tension: Using the stillness of a garden to amplify the psychological dread of the characters.

Early Reactions and Release

Early critics have praised the chemistry between Apte and her co-stars, but many have singled out the cinematography that captures the “menacing beauty” of the garden. With Apte’s powerhouse performance and Chopra’s vision, Saali Mohabbat is positioning itself as a must-watch for fans of elevated suspense.

As the film prepares for its wider release, it leaves the audience with a chilling thought: the next time you look at a beautiful garden, you might wonder what lies beneath the surface.