The highly anticipated Tere Ishk Mein trailer dropped November 14, 2025, revealing director Aanand L Rai’s return to intense romantic storytelling. Starring National Award winners Dhanush and Kriti Sanon in their first collaboration, the trailer promises a visceral exploration of love’s ability to heal, hurt, and transform. Set against the backdrop of Benaras and featuring A.R. Rahman’s soul-stirring compositions, the footage showcases a passionate yet toxic romance that spirals into obsession, revenge, and eventual redemption.
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Dhanush: From Vulnerable Lover to Vengeful Force
Dhanush portrays Shankar, a volatile young man whose love transforms into dangerous obsession. The Tere Ishk Mein trailer opens with gripping tension at an Air Force base, immediately establishing the film’s darker undertones. Flashback sequences reveal Shankar’s college days, where his violent tendencies already simmer beneath the surface.
When Kriti Sanon’s Mukti attempts to stop him from beating classmates and raises her hand to slap him, he catches it mid-air and forces her to strike him instead—a chilling moment that foreshadows the psychological complexity ahead.
Character Analysis: Shankar’s Emotional Journey
| Character Arc Stage | Shankar’s Transformation |
|---|---|
| College Days | Violent, volatile youth with anger issues |
| Falling in Love | Warns that he’ll “set Delhi ablaze” if he falls in love |
| Rejection Phase | Devastated lover who turns toxic and obsessive |
| Revenge Mode | Pours Ganga jal on Mukti during her Haldi ceremony |
| Air Force Officer | Disciplined exterior hiding unresolved emotional wounds |
The trailer reveals Shankar’s most shocking act—pouring sacred Ganga water on Mukti during her Haldi ceremony with another man. This moment crystallizes his descent from heartbroken lover into someone consumed by possessive rage. Dhanush’s performance channels the same intensity he brought to Raanjhanaa, with fans already describing him as “Raanjhana boy turned revenge guy.” His ability to convey vulnerability alongside volcanic emotion positions Shankar as one of 2025’s most complex romantic protagonists.
Kriti Sanon: Mukti’s Dramatic Transformation
Kriti Sanon delivers what early reactions praise as her most emotionally layered performance to date. As Mukti, she begins as an idealistic woman who believes she can reform Shankar’s violent nature. The Tere Ishk Mein trailer shows her telling him she wants to make him “a good, non-violent person,” demonstrating the naivete that eventually leads to heartbreak.
The footage reveals Mukti’s dramatic transformation following her doomed relationship with Shankar. She becomes an alcoholic, chain-smoking and spiraling into self-destruction—the complete opposite of her former self. This metamorphosis demonstrates the film’s central theme: love’s power to fundamentally alter those who surrender to it completely.
Viewers have already highlighted Sanon’s emotive scenes, noting she “killed it” and “proved once again how versatile she is.” This marks her first collaboration with Aanand L Rai, positioning her alongside the director’s history of extracting powerful performances from actresses in emotionally demanding roles.
The Toxic Romance at Tere Ishk Mein’s Core
Unlike conventional romantic dramas, Tere Ishk Mein doesn’t shy away from portraying love’s destructive potential. The trailer’s most powerful dialogue captures this theme: “Prem mein mrityu hai, mukti nahi, mukti ke peeche bhaag mat, apne ishq mein itna jal ki mukti khud tere pairon mein girke bheekh maange ki… sweekar karo mujhe!!” (In love lies death, not liberation. Don’t chase liberation—burn so fiercely in your love that liberation itself falls at your feet begging: Accept me!!)
Key Themes Explored in the Trailer
Another striking line delivered by Dhanush’s character warns: “Kyon jawan ladke ki zindagi barbaad kar rahi ho, madam, main pyaar mein pad gaya toh poori Delhi phoonk dunga.” (Why are you ruining a young man’s life, madam? If I fall in love, I’ll burn down all of Delhi.) This dialogue establishes Shankar’s self-awareness about his destructive capacity, yet his inability to control it.
The film explores what director Aanand L Rai describes as “ishk”—an intense, all-consuming form of love that transcends mere romance. “Ishk is only about surrender – letting it heal you, hurt you, and change you,” Rai explained. This philosophy permeates every frame of the trailer, suggesting a narrative that embraces love’s darker dimensions alongside its transcendent moments.
A.R. Rahman’s Musical Genius Returns
The Tere Ishk Mein trailer marks the third collaboration between Aanand L Rai and legendary composer A.R. Rahman, following Raanjhanaa (2013) and Atrangi Re (2021). Rahman’s background score adds haunting dimensions to the emotional turbulence onscreen, with Arijit Singh’s vocals amplifying the sense of yearning and loss.
| A.R. Rahman x Aanand L Rai Collaborations |
|---|
| Raanjhanaa (2013) – Cult classic soundtrack that defined a generation’s romantic sensibility |
| Atrangi Re (2021) – Dominated streaming charts with innovative musical arrangements |
| Tere Ishk Mein (2025) – Title track already crossed 65+ million views across platforms |
The title track “Tere Ishk Mein,” composed by Rahman with lyrics by Irshad Kamil, has already amassed over 66 million views before the film’s release. Critics praise it as “haunting, soulful, and the kind of melody that listeners everywhere find themselves humming along to.” The track beautifully mirrors the film’s central themes of love, longing, and heartbreak.
At the recent audio launch event, Dhanush surprised audiences by singing a track from the film while Rahman accompanied him live on piano. Director Aanand L Rai shared the viral clip calling them “Mere do anmol ratan” (my two precious gems), highlighting the creative synergy between the trio.
Visual Storytelling and Production Excellence
The Tere Ishk Mein trailer showcases stunning cinematography by Vishal Sinha, with each frame thoughtfully composed to enhance emotional impact. From the sprawling Air Force base establishing shots to intimate close-ups capturing micro-expressions of pain and desire, the visual language speaks volumes.
The backdrop of Benaras—a city central to several of Aanand L Rai’s signature works including Raanjhanaa—adds spiritual and cultural depth. The ancient city’s ghats, temples, and winding lanes provide atmospheric settings for a love story grappling with redemption, sacrifice, and transformation.
Action sequences directed by Sham Kaushal promise intensity beyond typical romantic drama fare. The trailer glimpses violent confrontations that establish Shankar’s capacity for physical destruction, grounding his emotional volatility in tangible consequences.
Aanand L Rai’s Return to Form
Tere Ishk Mein represents Aanand L Rai’s return to direction after a two-year gap. Known for extracting powerful performances and creating emotionally resonant narratives, Rai reunites with frequent collaborator Himanshu Sharma, who co-wrote the screenplay alongside Neeraj Yadav.
While comparisons to Raanjhanaa are inevitable—both films star Dhanush in intense romantic roles—Rai emphasizes that Tere Ishk Mein tells a distinct story. “There is a Raanjhanaa hidden in Tere Ishk Mein,” Rai explained, “but it should not be considered a continuation.” The rage and passion defining Raanjhanaa find extension here, channeled through different characters in a new narrative framework.
The director’s cinema consistently treats music as an essential narrative element rather than background decoration. This philosophy reaches its apex in Tere Ishk Mein, where Rahman’s compositions become inseparable from the storytelling itself.
Supporting Cast and Production Details
Beyond the lead pair, Tere Ishk Mein features Maahir Mohiuddin as Rana and Sushil Dahiya as Inspector—roles that appear integral to the central conflict based on trailer footage. The film is produced under the banners of Colour Yellow Productions and T-Series, with Bhushan Kumar, Krishan Kumar, Aanand L Rai, and Himanshu Sharma serving as producers.
| Production Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Director | Aanand L Rai |
| Writers | Himanshu Sharma, Neeraj Yadav |
| Music Composer | A.R. Rahman |
| Lyricist | Irshad Kamil |
| Cinematographer | Vishal Sinha |
| Action Director | Sham Kaushal |
| Production Designer | Nitin Zihani Choudhary |
| Production Companies | Colour Yellow Productions, T-Series |
| Release Date | November 28, 2025 |
| Languages | Hindi, Tamil, Telugu |
The worldwide theatrical release on November 28, 2025, positions Tere Ishk Mein as a major end-of-year attraction. The multilingual strategy—releasing simultaneously in Hindi, Tamil, and Telugu—maximizes reach across Indian markets.
Fan Reactions and Early Buzz
Social media erupted following the Tere Ishk Mein trailer drop, with fans praising the “goosebump-inducing” opening sequence and the charged dynamic between the leads. Twitter and Instagram comments highlight Dhanush’s intensity and Kriti Sanon’s surprising range, with many predicting career-best performances from both actors.
The trailer’s dark, visually sharp aesthetic immediately sets it apart from typical Bollywood romantic dramas. Early reactions point to the opening scene as establishing the film’s emotional weight—a moment that “draws viewers in with an undercurrent of tension” that never fully releases.
Rahman’s involvement generates its own excitement, with music lovers already declaring the soundtrack “Album of the Year” based on released tracks. The combination of established creative talent and fresh pairing of lead actors creates anticipation across multiple audience segments.
Box Office Expectations and Market Positioning
Given the success of Dhanush and Aanand L Rai’s previous collaborations, industry analysts predict strong opening numbers. Raanjhanaa achieved cult status and sustained theatrical runs, while Rahman’s musical involvement historically correlates with extended box office legs as word-of-mouth spreads about the soundtrack.
The November 28 release date positions Tere Ishk Mein strategically before the December rush, allowing it to capitalize on pre-holiday audiences. The multilingual release strategy targets pan-Indian audiences, particularly in Southern markets where Dhanush commands significant star power.
Early tracking suggests robust advance bookings in metropolitan centers, with the intense trailer generating discussion across age demographics. The film’s mature themes and complex emotional content target audiences seeking substance beyond formulaic romance.
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FAQs
When does Tere Ishk Mein release in theaters?
Tere Ishk Mein releases worldwide on November 28, 2025, in Hindi, Tamil, and Telugu. The film will have simultaneous theatrical release across all three language versions.
Who are the lead actors in Tere Ishk Mein?
National Award winners Dhanush and Kriti Sanon star in their first on-screen collaboration. Dhanush plays Shankar, while Kriti Sanon portrays Mukti in this intense romantic drama.
Who composed the music for Tere Ishk Mein?
Legendary composer A.R. Rahman created the film’s music, marking his third collaboration with director Aanand L Rai after Raanjhanaa and Atrangi Re. Irshad Kamil wrote the lyrics, with vocals by Arijit Singh.
Is Tere Ishk Mein a sequel to Raanjhanaa?
No, Tere Ishk Mein is not a sequel despite reuniting director Aanand L Rai with actor Dhanush. While both films explore intense romantic themes, they tell completely different stories with distinct characters and narratives.
What is the story of Tere Ishk Mein?
Tere Ishk Mein follows Shankar and Mukti’s intense love story set in Benaras. The film explores how their all-consuming romance transforms into obsession, heartbreak, and eventual redemption, examining love’s power to both heal and destroy.