Release Date: 28 November 2025
Director: Anand L. Rai
Cast: Dhanush (Shankar), Kriti Sanon (Mukti),
supporting cast with newcomers + veterans
Genre: Romantic Drama with Thriller elements
Runtime: Approx. 2 hours 30 minutes
Music: A.R. Rahman
Just released today, Tere Ishq Mein feels like Bollywood’s old toxic-love formula is still alive and kicking. Anand L. Rai’s latest, widely considered a spiritual sequel to Dhanush’s 2013 cult hit Raanjhanaa, tells the story of a man who drowns so deeply in love that he ends up destroying his own life. But does the film only ride on raw emotions, or do the script’s weaknesses sink it? Here’s a completely honest breakdown.
Story (Spoiler-Free)
The film opens on the Delhi University campus, where Shankar (Dhanush) is an angry, rebellious student leader. Mukti (Kriti Sanon) is a sharp, empowered girl writing her thesis on the idea that even the most violent person can be reformed. A college project brings them together, and it quickly turns into an intense romance. But as the relationship progresses, love gives way to obsession, betrayal, and revenge. Seven years later, when they meet again, old emotions explode.
The story heavily reminds you of Raanjhanaa – unconditional love, one-sided obsession, self-destruction. In 2025, it feels a bit dated. The film ends up romanticising a toxic male protagonist, making it as controversial as Kabir Singh or Animal. The first half feels fresh and romantic, but the second half shifts tone dramatically – emotions are sky-high, yet the plot becomes confusing and stretched. Many reviewers are calling the climax the “soul of the movie,” but to me it felt a little forced. Overall, it’s a powerful love story that asks: Does love always justify violence?
Performances
Dhanush: Career-best. The anger, vulnerability, and broken heart of Shankar are played with such honesty that you’ll cry with him. His natural acting makes even over-dramatic Bollywood scenes feel real. Critics are already saying “Dhanush deserves awards this season.”
Kriti Sanon: The surprise package. Mukti is a complicated character – strong yet broken. Kriti handles it gracefully, especially in emotional scenes. Her chemistry with Dhanush sizzles, though dialogue delivery feels slightly flat at times. Still, this is her strongest performance since Do Patti.
Supporting cast: Decent, but the film completely rides on the two leads.
Technical Aspects
Direction: Classic Anand L. Rai – high on emotions, but balance is missing here. First half is crisp, second half drags. Cinematography (especially the Leh shots) is beautiful, editing is tight in parts, but some scenes feel unnecessary.
Music: A.R. Rahman magic. The title track “Tere Ishq Mein” and “Jigar Thanda” give goosebumps. Background score elevates every emotional scene. Only minor complaint – one song being fully in Tamil felt slightly odd in a Hindi film. Overall, the soundtrack is the strongest pillar of the movie..
Pros & Cons
Pros: Dhanush & Kriti’s sizzling chemistry and stellar performances .Emotional depth and goosebump moments, especially the climax .A.R. Rahman’s haunting music. If you loved Raanjhanaa or intense toxic-love stories, this will hit Hard.
cons: Romanticising toxic & obsessive behaviour – feels problematic in 2025 Second half is stretched and confusing Runtime is long; could have been trimmed by 15–20 minutes
Final Verdict
Tere Ishq Mein is an intense love saga that touches the heart deeply but isn’t flawless. If you’re craving an emotional rollercoaster where love hurts more than it heals, go watch it in theatres – especially if you’re a Dhanush fan, this is a treat. But if you prefer healthy relationship stories, you can safely skip it.Box office prediction: Strong opening (₹12+ crore expected), but long-term run will depend on word of mouth because opinions are sharply divided.
My Rating: 3/5 (Pretty much matches the current critics’ average – Bollywood Hungama 3/5, some outlets heavily criticised the toxicity.)