Aanand L Rai's Tere Ishq Mein, starring Dhanush and Kriti Sanon, has sparked intense reactions following its release on November 28, 2025. Touted as a spiritual successor to Raanjhanaa, the film plunges into the depths of love, pain, and sacrifice, leaving viewers shaken and emotionally charged.
The film introduces us to Flight Lieutenant Shankar Gurukkal (Dhanush), an officer known for his disregard for protocol, leading to his grounding and mandatory counseling. He is explosive, angry, and distrustful. This is where he meets Dr. Mukti (Kriti Sanon), a heavily pregnant counselor with her own struggles, who is assigned to help him. The movie uses flashbacks to explore their history. Seven years prior, Mukti is a psychology student researching violence and believes love can eradicate it. She encounters Shankar, a short-tempered law student, and sees him as the perfect subject for her research. Shankar falls for her, but Mukti is clear that her interest is purely academic.
Early reviews and social media buzz suggest Tere Ishq Mein is an emotional rollercoaster, filled with love, longing, heartbreak, and healing. Some viewers have described it as the "emotional storm of the year," emphasizing its profound impact. However, some critics find the narrative messy and the characters problematic.
Dhanush's performance is a major talking point, with many praising his raw and powerful portrayal of a character consumed by pain and rage. He is said to be in "full heroic mode," conveying his character's emotional turmoil with remarkable intensity. Kriti Sanon's performance has also garnered appreciation, with fans commending her for portraying the multiple shades of her character with fearlessness. Some have even compared her character to "a female Kabir Singh" for her boldness and unpredictability.
Umair Sandhu praised Rai's mature direction, highlighting the film's exploration of love, pain, and sacrifice, and A.R. Rahman's background score for enhancing the film's emotional depth. According to early X (formerly Twitter) trends, Tere Ishq Mein has struck a strong emotional chord with audiences.
However, not all reviews are glowing. Some critics argue that the film glorifies toxicity and lacks nuance. One review suggests the film is a collection of familiar tropes from other films, cobbled together into a messy narrative. The unconvincing events and drastic life changes of the characters have also been points of criticism. Despite strong performances from Dhanush and Sanon, some critics feel they cannot save the film from its flaws.
