Tere Ishk Mein, described as a “spiritual sequel” to the 2013 cult classic Raanjhanaa, released its explosive official trailer on November 14, 2025, unveiling an intensely passionate and volatile romance between Dhanush as Shankar and Kriti Sanon as Mukti—marking the first on-screen pairing of both actors in an Aanand L Rai directorial that rekindles the filmmaker’s creative partnership with Tamil superstar Dhanush after their previous collaborations on Raanjhanaa (2013) and Atrangi Re (2021). The trailer reveals a fiery love story set against Benaras’ backdrop, where college-era romance transforms into dangerous obsession when Mukti abandons Shankar for another man, driving him toward vengeance as he pledges to “burn entire Delhi to ashes” for his broken heart—a darker evolution of Dhanush’s heartbroken-lover archetype. Directed by Aanand L Rai and written by Himanshu Sharma and Neeraj Yadav, the film features music by A.R. Rahman (returning to collaborate with Rai) including chartbuster tracks featuring Arijit Singh and Shreya Ghoshal, with cinematography by Tushar Kanti Ray, production design by Nitin Zihani Choudhary, and action choreography by Sunil Rodrigues. Produced by Gulshan Kumar, Bhushan Kumar (T-Series), and Colour Yellow Productions with creative backing from Aanand L Rai and Himanshu Sharma, Tere Ishk Mein releases theatrically on November 28, 2025 (originally scheduled for November 21 before a one-week postponement) across Hindi, Tamil, and Telugu versions, positioning itself as one of 2025’s most anticipated romantic dramas alongside prestigious industry endorsement from director Sandeep Reddy Vanga, who declared the film “intense” and praised Dhanush for “reclaiming his throne.”
Trailer Breakdown: Intense Passion and Dark Obsession
The trailer opens with an arresting image: Dhanush’s character Shankar appears as a flying lieutenant—composed, professional, controlled. Yet beneath this veneer of normalcy lies a volatile personality. When college days flash across the screen, viewers witness a completely different Shankar—aggressive, violent, and consumed by rage. The stark contrast emphasizes the film’s central conflict: his transformation from passionate lover to vengeful obsessive.
Kriti Sanon’s Mukti appears as the catalyst—the woman who mesmerizes Shankar completely, making him forget everything when they’re together. Their college romance blossoms through candid moments: conversations in crowded corridors, exhilarating bike rides, stolen glances laden with youthful passion. However, the teaser establishes that this happiness proves temporary. Mukti abandons Shankar for another man, spurring a devastating heartbreak.
This rejection transforms Shankar’s anguish into all-consuming rage. In one of the trailer’s most striking monologues, Dhanush declares he will “burn entire Delhi to ashes” for his shattered heart—a haunting promise hinting at the film’s darker trajectory where passion mutates into destructive obsession.
Cast and Characters
Dhanush as Shankar (Lead): The Tamil superstar returns to Hindi cinema with a character that echoes his Raanjhanaa breakthrough—an intense, passionate lover whose emotions teeter dangerously between devotion and destruction. The trailer establishes Shankar as an unpredictable force, capable of profound tenderness alongside explosive volatility. Renowned director Sandeep Reddy Vanga immediately praised the casting, declaring: “Intense!!! Feels like Dhanush just reclaimed his throne.”
Kriti Sanon as Mukti (Lead): Sanon makes her debut opposite Dhanush, portraying the beautiful woman caught in an all-consuming romance with dangerous consequences. The trailer reveals her character’s arc—from college student to a woman burdened by guilt and consequences, eventually turning to “the bottle” as she processes the devastation her choices unleashed. YouTube commenters praised her performance as “wonderful” and “mesmerizing.”
Supporting Cast: Sushil Dahiya as an inspector, Maahir Mohiuddin as Rana, and additional ensemble members populate the narrative, though specific character details remain minimal.
Director and Creative Team
Director: Aanand L Rai | Previous Collaborations with Dhanush: Raanjhanaa (2013, debut collaboration launching Dhanush in Hindi cinema), Atrangi Re (2021, second directorial reuniting them) | Directorial Philosophy: Rai specializes in intimate, character-driven narratives exploring romantic passion, sacrifice, and transformation
Screenwriters: Himanshu Sharma (Rai’s longtime collaborator across Raanjhanaa and Atrangi Re), Neeraj Yadav | Musical Composition: A.R. Rahman (reuniting with Rai, delivering chartbuster tracks featuring Arijit Singh and Shreya Ghoshal) | Cinematography: Tushar Kanti Ray (acclaimed DOP)
Technical Excellence: Production Design by Nitin Zihani Choudhary, Editing by Hemal Kothari and Prakash Chandra Sahoo, Sound Design by Resul Pookutty (Oscar-winner), Action Direction by Sunil Rodrigues, Costume Design by Rushi Sharma & Manoshi Nath (Kriti), and Kavya Sriram (Dhanush)
Trailer Release and Fan Reception
Trailer Release Date: November 14, 2025 (Thursday) | Official Launch Event: Held in Mumbai with attendance from Dhanush, Kriti Sanon, director Aanand L Rai, and producer Bhushan Kumar | Platforms: YouTube (T-Series channel), INOX Movies channel, and official social media
YouTube Comments Highlights: “Kriti’s acting is amazing… and Dhanush always keeps us hooked to the screen.” | “Brother, Saiyaara’s father is coming on November 28.” | “This is Saiyaara ka baap.” | “The passion, the chaos, the love—Tere Ishk Mein is almost here.”
Industry Response: Director Sandeep Reddy Vanga (@sandeepreddy.vanga on X/Twitter) immediately praised the film: “Intense!!! Feels like Dhanush just reclaimed his throne…. CONGRATULATIONS.” His endorsement carries significant weight given his directorial success with Animal (2023) and upcoming Spirit.
Plot and Thematic Elements
The film’s plot unfolds across Benaras—a location steeped in spiritual significance and river mythology. The story explores “surrender and transformation through an all-consuming romance that heals, hurts, and changes” both protagonists. It’s positioned as darker, more intense than typical romance narratives, emphasizing the dangerous edges where passionate love morphs into obsessive vengeance.
The duality of Shankar’s character—composed professional pilot contrasted against volatile lover—provides rich thematic terrain exploring how trauma transforms personality, how betrayal corrupts passion into rage, and whether love’s promises survive betrayal’s consequences.
Release Information and Scheduling
Theatrical Release Date: November 28, 2025 (Friday) | Original Release Date: November 21, 2025 (postponed one week) | Theatrical Formats: Standard theatrical, INOX, PVR | Language Versions: Hindi (primary), Tamil, Telugu | Duration: Standard feature-length
The film’s release arrives following successful romantic dramas in 2025 including Saiyaaraa and Ek Diwane Ki Diwaniyat, both reportedly performing well at box offices, suggesting audiences’ enduring appetite for passionate love stories despite critical fatigue with the genre.
Significance: Reuniting a Legendary Filmmaker-Star Duo
Announced on Raanjhanaa‘s 12-year anniversary, Tere Ishk Mein marks Aanand L Rai and Dhanush’s third collaboration, cementing one of Hindi cinema’s most fruitful creative partnerships. The film carries particular significance for Rai, whose recent releases faced box office headwinds, making the commercial performance crucial for his career trajectory. For Dhanush, the film represents another opportunity to prove his staying power in Hindi cinema beyond the Raanjhanaa franchise.
