Aanand L. Rai returns to raw, obsessive romance with Tere Ishk Mein, a spiritual successor to his 2013 hit Raanjhanaa. This Hindi romantic drama dives deep into passion’s destructive pull against Benaras’ timeless backdrop. Released late November 2025, it reunites Rai with Dhanush while pairing him with Kriti Sanon for fiery chemistry. A.R. Rahman’s soul-stirring score elevates the emotional stakes. Though it aims for profound heartbreak, the film stumbles on uneven storytelling. Searching for a Tere Ishk Mein movie review that captures its burning highs and flickering lows? Let’s unpack the love, loss, and lingering impact.
Movie Overview
Key details in a quick table:
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Movie Title | Tere Ishk Mein |
| Release Date | November 28, 2025 |
| Language and Genre | Hindi, Romantic Drama |
| Director | Aanand L. Rai |
| Producer | Aanand L. Rai, Bhushan Kumar, Krishan Kumar, Himanshu Sharma |
| Production House | Colour Yellow Productions, T-Series Films |
| Running Time | 2 hours 49 minutes |
| Budget (Approx.) | ₹80–100 crore |
| Box Office Collection (Approx.) | ₹148.5 crore worldwide |
The film opened solidly and built momentum through word-of-mouth, crossing respectable milestones despite polarized buzz.
Cast and Crew
Rai assembles a potent team for emotional depth. Main cast:
- Dhanush as Shankar Gurukkal: The volatile, rebellious student-turned-pilot consumed by love. Dhanush’s raw intensity dominates.
- Kriti Sanon as Mukti Behniwal: The psychology student studying transformation through love. Sanon’s layered vulnerability shines.
- Priyanshu Painyuli as supporting ally: Adds grounded support in key arcs.
- Prakash Raj in pivotal role: Brings authoritative presence.
- Mohammed Zeeshan Ayub as Murari (crossover nod): Ties to Raanjhanaa universe.
No major debuts, but Zeeshan Ayub’s cameo sparks nostalgia. Standouts? Dhanush’s fierce commitment and Sanon’s nuanced grace—they carry the storm.
Storyline / Plot Summary (No Spoilers)
Tere Ishk Mein follows Shankar, a hot-headed college leader notorious for rage, whose path crosses Mukti, a psychology scholar testing theories on violent men. What starts as academic curiosity spirals into an all-consuming bond. Set against Varanasi’s ghats and modern chaos, their journey explores surrender, healing, and heartbreak.
The theme probes love’s transformative power—or its ruinous grip. Central conflict brews in clashing worlds: fury versus empathy, obsession versus understanding. Emotional core? The ache of loving someone who hurts you most, wrapped in surrender’s bittersweet beauty. Rai keeps it intense and immersive, drawing viewers into turbulent tides without easy escapes. It’s a feverish dive into passion’s depths.
Direction, Screenplay, and Editing
Rai’s vision echoes Raanjhanaa‘s soul while updating for Gen Z—raw emotion meets contemporary edge. He paints Benaras as a living character, ghats mirroring inner turmoil. Storytelling flows poetically in bursts, though final acts waver.
Himanshu Sharma and Neeraj Yadav’s screenplay packs striking dialogues and bold swings. Intensity peaks early, but pacing falters in the back half with convoluted turns. Editing by Hemal Kothari clips emotional montages sharply, blending timelines fluidly. Unique flair? Sufi-inspired interludes fuse spirituality with romance. Rai directs with passion, but tighter reins could sharpen the blade.
Cinematography, Visuals, and Music
Tushar Kanti Ray’s camera caresses Varanasi’s sacred chaos: golden ghats glow, crowds pulse. Intimate close-ups capture tear-streaked faces; wide shots dwarf lovers against ancient rivers. VFX subtly enhances mood—no overkill.
A.R. Rahman’s score is the film’s heartbeat: “Tere Ishk Mein” title track haunts, “Deewana Deewana” soars Sufi-style, “Jigar Thanda Re” adds jazz edge. Lyrics by Irshad Kamil pierce deeply. Background motifs swell with longing, amplifying heartbreak. Visuals and music entwine for immersive ache—sepia tones evoke nostalgia, crescendos mirror turmoil. They elevate uneven moments into emotional highs.
Performances
Dhanush owns Shankar: raw fury, fragile vulnerability, Hindi accent quirks aside—he embodies obsession’s torment. A breakdown scene? Gut-wrenching. Kriti Sanon matches stride as Mukti: poised yet pierced, her eyes convey quiet storms. Chemistry crackles—electric tension in glances, explosive in clashes.
Priyanshu Painyuli supports solidly; Prakash Raj adds gravitas. Zeeshan Ayub’s nod ties universes touchingly. Powerful scene? A rain-soaked confrontation—emotions erupt raw. Leads’ synergy sells the saga, carrying flaws on their shoulders.
Audience and Critics’ Response
Tere Ishk Mein divides sharply: hearts won, logic questioned. Critics laud performances but slam script; fans embrace feels. Ratings table:
| Platform | Rating |
|---|---|
| IMDb | 6.8/10 |
| Rotten Tomatoes (Critics) | 45% |
| Rotten Tomatoes (Audience) | 70% |
| Google Users | 68% liked it |
Sentiment mixes passion and frustration. Times of India (2.5/5) praises “powerhouse acts” but notes inconsistency; Bollywood Hungama (3/5) calls it “intense saga.” Reddit threads debate toxicity vs. heartbreak. According to online discussions on Movierulz and other film forums, users have been actively debating the film’s storyline intensity and Dhanush-Kriti chemistry. It’s a polarizing pulse-racer.
Strengths and Weaknesses
Strengths:
- Lead Firepower: Dhanush and Sanon’s committed turns deliver raw, riveting emotion.
- Rahman’s Magic: Score and songs elevate heartbreak to haunting heights.
- Visual Poetry: Benaras backdrop and cinematography immerse deeply.
Weaknesses:
- Script Swings: Second-half convolutions and logic gaps dilute impact.
- Uneven Tone: Toxic tropes clash with redemption arcs, testing patience.
These hurdles hobble perfection but don’t extinguish the spark.
Final Verdict
Tere Ishk Mein burns bright with passion and pain—a flawed yet fervent love story that lingers. Rai crafts intensity over polish, rewarding patient hearts. Romance devotees and Dhanush fans will surrender; logic seekers may resist. My rating: 6.8/10. Dive in for the storm, stay for the soul.