The much-anticipated romantic drama, Tere Ishk Mein, has hit theaters with a bang, marking a major commercial success for director Aanand L Rai and star Dhanush, even as critics remain divided over its turbulent narrative. The film, which attempts to explore the destructive side of love, has secured one of the strongest opening collections for a romantic film this year.

Box Office Triumph Defies Narrative Flaws

Tere Ishk Mein, which opened yesterday, Friday, November 28, 2025, has demonstrated the power of star appeal and strong musical anticipation:

• Strong Opening: The film earned an impressive ₹16.50 crore nett in India on its opening day, securing the second-biggest opening for a romantic film this year. This surpassed early trade predictions, signaling high enthusiasm from multiplex and Tier-1 city audiences.
• Positive Trends: The film recorded an overall occupancy of over 25% on Day 1, with night shows registering the highest turnout. The strong opening suggests the film is poised for a robust weekend run.

The Critical Divide: Passionate Performances vs. Problematic Plot

The film, which reunites Dhanush with director Aanand L Rai (of Raanjhanaa fame), has drawn polarizing reviews, highlighting a disconnect between technical excellence and narrative coherence:

• Stellar Performances: Critics and audiences are unanimous in their praise for the leads. Dhanush as the volatile, intense Air Force pilot, Shankar, is hailed for delivering a “raw and powerful” performance, successfully conveying rage and heartbreak. Kriti Sanon as Mukti also receives high marks, particularly for matching Dhanush’s intensity in a “fearless and fiery” portrayal.
• Music and Mood: The film’s A. R. Rahman score is widely praised, with fans noting the music successfully elevates the drama and brings back the emotional weight of Raanjhanaa.
• Narrative Criticism: The majority of critics pointed to significant inconsistencies and plot convolutions, particularly in the second half. Reviewers noted the film’s nearly three-hour runtime felt “overlong,” with unnecessary subplots (like a 12th Fail-inspired sequence) distracting from the main relationship. Furthermore, some critics strongly condemned the film for glorifying or romanticizing “toxic love” and obsessive pursuit, arguing that it uses the heroine’s actions to justify the hero’s subsequent rage.

Despite the ethical and structural flaws pointed out in reviews, the film’s powerful performances and high-voltage emotional drama have successfully connected with a mass audience, proving that the demand for intense romantic tragedies remains high in the market.

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