Tere Ishk Mein Movie Review (2025): Dhanush & Aanand L. Rai’s Volatile Saga of Love and Rage
An in-depth review of the spiritual successor to Raanjhanaa, starring Dhanush and Kriti Sanon, with a complete plot synopsis and critical analysis.
Tere Ishk Mein, released globally on November 28, 2025, marks the explosive third collaboration between director Aanand L. Rai and National Award-winning actor Dhanush. Following the cult success of Raanjhanaa (2013) and the quirky Atrangi Re (2021), this film dives deeper into the dark, turbulent waters of obsessive love.
With a haunting score by A.R. Rahman and a fresh pairing with Kriti Sanon, the film has dominated the box office during its opening weekend. However, does it live up to the massive expectations set by its “spiritual predecessor”? This comprehensive review breaks down the plot, performances, and technical brilliance of this intense romantic tragedy.
Movie Details at a Glance
| Category | Details |
| Movie Title | Tere Ishk Mein |
| Release Date | November 28, 2025 |
| Director | Aanand L. Rai |
| Cast | Dhanush, Kriti Sanon, Prakash Raj, Priyanshu Painyuli, Vineet Kumar Singh |
| Music Director | A.R. Rahman |
| Cinematography | Tushar Kanti Ray |
| Runtime | 2 Hours 49 Minutes |
| Genre | Romantic Drama / Tragedy |
| Language | Hindi, Tamil |
| Box Office Status | Super Hit (Trending) |
Plot Synopsis: A Tale of Fire and Frost
The narrative of Tere Ishk Mein oscillates between two distinct timelines, painting a portrait of a man consumed by his own intensity.
The Present:
We are introduced to Shankar (Dhanush), a brilliant but volatile Flight Lieutenant in the Indian Air Force. Despite his skill in the cockpit, Shankar is grounded after a disciplinary breach fueled by his uncontrollable aggression. To return to duty, he must clear a mandatory psychological evaluation.
Fate plays a cruel hand when his assigned psychologist turns out to be Mukti Behniwal (Kriti Sanon), a woman from his past. The tension in the therapy room is palpable, as Shankar refuses to engage, while Mukti struggles to maintain professional detachment while battling her own spiraling alcoholism.
The Flashback:
The film transports us back to their university days in Delhi and the rustic lanes of Varanasi. Shankar was a fiery student leader—a rebel with a cause and a temper. He falls hopelessly in obsessive love with Mukti. However, the twist lies in Mukti’s motivation. She is a psychology student researching “The Psychology of Aggression.” For her, Shankar is not a lover but the perfect subject for her thesis.
She observes him, documents his rage, and inadvertently leads him on. When Shankar discovers that his “romance” was merely a case study and learns of Mukti’s engagement to another man, his world shatters. The betrayal triggers a catastrophic chain of events, culminating in Shankar crashing Mukti’s pre-wedding rituals in Varanasi. In a scene destined for cult status, he pours Ganga Jal (holy water) on her, cursing her to feel the burning pain of true loss.
The Climax:
In the present, the evaluation becomes a battlefield of egos. As war looms on the border, Shankar is forced back into the cockpit, but not before a final, heart-wrenching confrontation with Mukti that questions whether redemption is possible for a love this toxic.
Cinematic Analysis
1. Themes and Direction
Aanand L. Rai returns to his strength: the semi-urban, emotionally raw landscapes of North India. He frames love not as a soft, comforting emotion, but as a destructive force of nature. The film explores the thin line between passion and toxicity.
While the direction is masterful in capturing the chaotic energy of Varanasi and the sterile coldness of the Air Force base, the thematic messaging is polarizing. The film occasionally glorifies Shankar’s stalking and refusal to accept rejection, framing it as “pure love.” In 2025, these archaic tropes feel jarring, even if they are consistent with the “Raanjhanaa universe.”
2. Performances
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Dhanush (Shankar): The film rests entirely on Dhanush’s shoulders, and he carries it with ferocious energy. He creates a character who is terrifying yet pitiable. His transition from the naive, love-struck student to the hardened, cynical soldier is seamless. His eyes convey a lifetime of pain, making even the most problematic scenes compelling to watch.
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Kriti Sanon (Mukti): This is arguably one of the toughest roles of Sanon’s career. She plays a character who is fundamentally unlikable for large parts of the film—manipulative in the past and broken in the present. She shines in the second half, particularly in the breakdown scenes where her professional facade crumbles.
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Prakash Raj: Playing Shankar’s father, Prakash Raj brings a necessary warmth and grounding presence. His relationship with Dhanush provides the film’s emotional anchor, showcasing a father’s helpless love for a self-destructive son.
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Vineet Kumar Singh: In a special appearance, Singh leaves a strong impact as a senior officer, adding gravitas to the military sequences.
3. Screenplay and Pacing
Written by Himanshu Sharma and Neeraj Yadav, the screenplay is a mixed bag.
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Strengths: The dialogue is sharp, poetic, and punchy. The first half moves at a breakneck speed, filled with humor and youthful energy.
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Weaknesses: At nearly three hours (169 minutes), the film is undeniably too long. The second half suffers from repetitive confrontation scenes. The narrative logic regarding Mukti’s professional ethics—evaluating her ex-lover—requires a massive suspension of disbelief.
4. Music and Aesthetics
A.R. Rahman proves again why he is a legend. The soundtrack is not just background noise; it is a narrative device.
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“Tere Ishk Mein” (Title Track): A high-octane Sufi-rock anthem that mirrors Shankar’s rage.
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“Deewana Deewana”: A melodious track that captures the nostalgia of lost love.
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Cinematography: Tushar Kanti Ray uses a dual color palette—warm, dusty oranges for the past (Varanasi) and cool, steel blues for the present (Air Force base)—to visually distinguish the timelines.
Strengths and Weaknesses
Strengths
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Dhanush’s Powerhouse Act: A career-defining performance that salvages the script’s weaker moments.
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Musical Score: A.R. Rahman delivers the album of the year; the background score elevates the tension significantly.
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Visual Atmosphere: The film captures the texture of Varanasi and the intensity of the battlefield with equal finesse.
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Emotional Impact: Despite the toxicity, the emotional beats land hard, leaving the audience drained but engaged.
Weaknesses
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Regressive Tropes: The glorification of obsessive, non-consensual pursuit feels dated.
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Runtime: The film could easily be trimmed by 20 minutes for a tighter impact.
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Logical Loopholes: The premise of a psychologist treating her own ex-stalker is professionally impossible and distracts from the realism.
Final Verdict
Tere Ishk Mein is a cinematic storm—messy, loud, and incredibly powerful. It is a film of extremes that will likely divide audiences.
If you are a fan of Aanand L. Rai’s brand of tragic romance and Dhanush’s visceral acting, this is an unmissable theatrical experience. The film offers a sensory overload of music and emotion. However, if you are looking for a nuanced, modern take on relationships, the narrative may feel like a frustrating step backward. It is a flawed gem that burns bright, fueled by the sheer talent of its lead actor and composer.
Rating: 3.5/5 Stars