Tere Ishk Mein Day 1 Box Office: Dhanush & Kriti Sanon Defy Predictions with ₹16.50 Crore Nett Opening

The much-anticipated spiritual sequel to Raanjhanaa, Tere Ishk Mein, has taken the box office by storm. Released on November 28, 2025, the film marks the third collaboration between Dhanush and director Aanand L. Rai, and if early estimates are anything to go by, the duo has struck gold yet again.

Tere Ishk Mein has registered an impressive opening of approximately ₹16.50 Crore (India Net) on its first day. This figure makes it the second-biggest opening for a romantic film in 2025, trailing only behind the blockbuster Saiyaara (₹21.5 Crore). The film has comfortably outperformed other major releases of the year, beating the Day 1 figures of Jolly LLB 3 (₹12 Crore) and Sitaare Zameen Par (₹10.70 Crore). For Dhanush, this marks a significant milestone, becoming his biggest Hindi opener to date, far surpassing the opening numbers of his debut hit Raanjhanaa (₹5-6 Crore).

The film saw a healthy occupancy rate of around 25.7% for Hindi shows on Friday, with evening and night shows witnessing a massive spike in footfall—a clear indicator of positive word-of-mouth.

Staying true to the legacy of Raanjhanaa, Tere Ishk Mein steers clear of conventional romance to explore a darker, more volatile narrative. The story kicks off in the rugged terrains of Ladakh amidst simmering border tensions, where we are introduced to Shankar (Dhanush), a hotheaded and intense Air Force Lieutenant, and Mukti (Kriti Sanon), a composed yet layered defence department therapist. When their paths cross, it triggers a tumultuous relationship defined by passion, obsession, and eventual betrayal. Unlike the innocent pursuit seen in Raanjhanaa, this film delves into how love can both heal and destroy, playing out against a high-stakes backdrop of national security and personal demons.

Helmed by master storyteller Aanand L. Rai, Tere Ishk Mein is brought to life through the screenplay of Himanshu Sharma and Neeraj Yadav. The film features a powerhouse cast, with Dhanush starring as the intense Shankar and Kriti Sanon essaying the role of Mukti, supported by veteran actor Prakash Raj as Shankar’s father. The narrative is further elevated by the musical genius of A.R. Rahman, with his background score receiving special acclaim and being hailed by critics and audiences alike as the very soul of the film.

The film has generated positive word of mouth, with viewers already labelling it an "Emotional Blockbuster." Audiences have particularly praised the on-screen dynamic between Dhanush and Kriti Sanon, hailing their chemistry as both "electric" and "fresh." On the critical front, the performances are driving the acclaim; Dhanush’s portrayal of a volatile soldier is being cited as a masterclass in acting, while Kriti Sanon is receiving accolades for standing tall alongside him with a layered, powerful performance.

With a ₹16.50 Crore Nett start and positive audience reception, Tere Ishk Mein is poised for a strong weekend. Trade analysts expect the film to cross the ₹50 Crore mark by Sunday night, solidifying its status as a hit.