Tere Ishk Mein

Tere Ishk Mein is described as a spiritual follow-up to his 2013 success Raanjhanaa, marking his third collaboration with Dhanush. Released on 28 November 2025, the film features Dhanush as Shankar, a volatile and obsessive young man, and Kriti Sanon as Mukti, the focus of his fierce attachment.

The music, composed by A. R. Rahman, adds strong emotional weight to the narrative. The film tackles themes of toxic love, obsession, surrender, and personal change, set across Delhi and Varanasi (Benaras), with a patriotic thread linked to the Indian Air Force.

Story and Themes

The plot centres on Shankar, a rebellious student leader at Delhi University, known for his explosive temper and rough edges. His life takes a sharp turn when he becomes consumed by Mukti, after she presents a thesis arguing that violent men can change when they receive the right kind of love.

Their relationship soon slips into a dark space. What starts as passion turns into obsession, self-destruction, and a series of extreme choices. The film mixes romance, action, and high-pitched drama, showing how love can both uplift and ruin.

Cast and Characters

Main cast:

• Dhanush as Shankar Gurukkal / Shankar
• Kriti Sanon as Mukti Behniwal / Mukti

Supporting cast includes:

• Prakash Raj
• Prabhu Deva as Macha Boi
• Mohd. Zeeshan Ayyub
• Priyanshu Painyuli
• Tota Roy Chowdhury
• Sushil Dahiya as Inspector
• Other supporting performers in smaller roles

Performances

Dhanush offers an intense, charged performance that blends rage, softness, and deep pain. Many reviewers compare his turn here to his role in Raanjhanaa, but note that Shankar feels more aggressive and heightened for a 2025 audience. Critics largely agree that he is the backbone of the film and makes Shankar’s reckless journey hard to look away from, even when the character behaves terribly.

Kriti Sanon earns strong praise as Mukti. She surprises viewers with a layered performance that balances strength, vulnerability, and conflict. In several key scenes, many feel she matches or even outshines Dhanush.

Among the supporting cast, Prakash Raj and others bring warmth and occasional humour, but the story rests mainly on the shoulders of the two leads.

Music and Emotional High Points

A. R. Rahman’s soundtrack is one of the film’s biggest strengths. Songs like the title track “Tere Ishk Mein” and the Sufi-styled numbers lift many scenes and stay with the viewer after the film ends. The music fits neatly into the narrative, so songs feel like a natural extension of the characters’ feelings rather than interruptions.

When the drama hits its peak, especially during confrontations and sacrificial moments, the combination of heightened performances and Rahman’s score creates powerful emotional surges. The film leans into these big feelings and asks the audience to give in to the intensity.

You can also get a taste of the mood from the teaser:
youtube.comTERE ISHK MEIN TEASER (Hindi) | Dhanush, Kriti Sanon | A. R. Rahman | Aanand L Rai | Bhushan Kumar

Weaknesses: Length, Writing, and Toxic Romance

At around 170 minutes, Tere Ishk Mein runs long and often feels it. The first half holds attention, but the second half slows down, with some scenes dragging and subplots crowding the main narrative.

The script, while gripping in bursts, leans heavily on familiar toxic-love patterns. These include obsessive chasing, glorified “alpha male” aggression, and unhealthy devotion. Many critics point out that it feels dated in 2025, following a similar path to films like Kabir Singh and Animal, and romanticising troubling behaviour without clear criticism.

Certain scenes tip into extreme territory and may test the patience of viewers who are tired of seeing toxic relationships treated as grand romance. The mash-up of genres, with romance, action, and patriotism all competing for space, can also feel uneven and messy.

Critical Response and Box Office

Reviews are mixed across the board. Performances from Dhanush and Kriti, along with Rahman’s music, receive steady praise, with several outlets such as Bollywood Hungama and Hindustan Times giving it around 3 to 3.5 stars out of 5.

On the other hand, some critics take issue with the uneven plotting and the moral stance of the film, with ratings dipping to 1 to 2.5 stars out of 5 in those cases. Viewers are similarly split; some enjoy the heightened drama and emotional storm, while others feel disturbed by the romanticising of toxic behaviour.

Financially, the film performs well. Tere Ishk Mein crosses ₹145 crore worldwide, showing that high-intensity romantic dramas still draw crowds.

Final Verdict

Tere Ishk Mein is a loud, emotionally heavy love story lifted by strong lead performances, memorable music, and Aanand L. Rai’s familiar interest in love at its most destructive. It is also far from smooth, with an overlong runtime, uneven pacing, and a problematic view of obsession and possessiveness.

For those who liked Raanjhanaa or enjoy intense, no-holds-barred love stories, this film is worth at least one big-screen experience. It may not be praised for its progressive outlook, but it delivers some striking moments, soaring music, and performances that stay in mind.

Overall iBomma rating: 3/5.

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