“Tere Ishk Mein” (2025) is a bold, emotionally charged romantic drama directed by Aanand L. Rai, starring Dhanush and Kriti Sanon. It’s a spiritual sequel to Raanjhanaa, exploring class divides, obsessive love, and personal transformation in the heart of Banaras.
🎬 Tere Ishk Mein: A Fiery Tale of Love, Class, and Consequence
🌱 Introduction
Released on November 28, 2025, Tere Ishk Mein marks the third collaboration between Dhanush and director Aanand L. Rai, following Raanjhanaa (2013) and Atrangi Re (2021). This time, the duo returns with a film that’s not just a love story — it’s a social commentary wrapped in melodrama, music, and emotional intensity.
Written by Himanshu Sharma and Neeraj Yadav, the film dives deep into the complexities of class conflict, obsession, and the emotional cost of love that burns too brightly.
🎭 Plot Overview
Set in Banaras, the film follows Shankar (played by Dhanush), a lower-middle-class youth who falls deeply in love with Mukti (Kriti Sanon), a wealthy, ambitious woman from a politically influential family.
Their romance begins in college — full of idealism, rebellion, and passion. But as reality sets in, the class divide becomes impossible to ignore. Mukti’s family disapproves, and Shankar’s obsession grows darker.
The film explores:
- The emotional unraveling of a man who feels betrayed by love and society
- The power dynamics between rich and poor
- The psychological toll of unreciprocated affection
🌟 Performances
- Dhanush delivers a raw, intense performance, channeling rage, vulnerability, and heartbreak. His portrayal of Shankar is reminiscent of Kundan from Raanjhanaa, but with more emotional depth and psychological complexity.
- Kriti Sanon as Mukti brings elegance and fire to the role, portraying a woman torn between ambition and emotional entanglement.
- Prakash Raj adds gravitas as Mukti’s father, representing the oppressive forces of tradition and power.
🎥 Cinematic Style
Director Aanand L. Rai returns to his signature style:
- Banaras as a character — vibrant, chaotic, and spiritual
- Melodramatic flourishes — intense confrontations, emotional breakdowns, and sweeping music
- Visual storytelling — long tracking shots, symbolic imagery, and rich color palettes
The cinematography by Tushar Kanti Ray and editing by Hemal Kothari create a rhythm that’s both lyrical and jarring, reflecting the emotional highs and lows of the characters.
🎶 Music & Soundtrack
Composed by A.R. Rahman, the soundtrack blends classical Indian motifs with modern orchestration. Standout tracks include:
- “Ishk Ka Rog” — a haunting ballad of longing
- “Banaras Ki Raat” — a celebratory ode to the city’s mystique
- “Mukti” — a powerful theme underscoring the heroine’s emotional arc
The music elevates the film’s emotional intensity and adds layers to the storytelling.
📊 Reception & Box Office
- Day 1 Collection: ₹16.5 crore net in India
- Occupancy: 25.77% on opening day
- Audience Reaction: Mixed — praised for performances and music, criticized for melodrama and outdated tropes
While critics were divided, fans of Dhanush and Rai’s earlier work embraced the film’s emotional depth and nostalgic callbacks.
💡 Themes & Impact
- Class vs. Love: The film shifts from inter-religious conflict (Raanjhanaa) to class-based tension, reflecting evolving societal divides.
- Obsession & Identity: Shankar’s descent into obsession raises questions about masculinity, self-worth, and emotional resilience.
- Spiritual Sequel: Though not a direct continuation, Tere Ishk Mein echoes the emotional DNA of Raanjhanaa, making it a thematic successor.
🏁 Conclusion
Tere Ishk Mein is a film that dares to be messy, emotional, and unapologetically dramatic. It’s a throwback to the era of intense love stories — where heartbreak is operatic and passion is dangerous.
For fans of Dhanush’s emotionally charged performances and Aanand L. Rai’s Banaras-based storytelling, this film is a must-watch. It may not be perfect, but it’s powerful — a cinematic storm that leaves you shaken, stirred, and thinking about the cost of love.
