The wait for one of the most talked-about romantic dramas of the decade has finally ended as “Tere Ishk Mein” officially makes its digital premiere today, Friday, January 23, 2026. Following a highly successful theatrical run that began on November 28, 2025, the film is now available for streaming exclusively on Netflix.
Fans who missed the high-octane chemistry between Dhanush and Kriti Sanon on the big screen can now witness their intense journey from the comfort of their homes. Netflix has released the film in multiple languages, including Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, and Kannada, ensuring a wide reach for Dhanush’s massive pan-Indian following. The OTT arrival coincides with the Republic Day long weekend, making it the primary binge-watch option for cinephiles across the country.
Plot and Character Dynamics
Directed by the master of small-town romance, Aanand L Rai, “Tere Ishk Mein” is much more than a typical love story; it is a dark, unsettling exploration of obsession and redemption. Set against the vibrant yet chaotic backdrop of Varanasi, the narrative follows Shankar Gurukkul (Dhanush), a volatile student leader with a traumatic past involving the loss of his mother. His world collides with Mukti Beniwal (Kriti Sanon), a composed psychology student who is working on a thesis titled “The Transformation of the Violent Mind.” In a classic Rai twist, the film leaps through time:
The Past: Shows Shankar as a wayward youth whose “love at first touch” for Mukti turns into a destructive obsession. The Present: Finds Shankar as a disciplined but internally scarred IAF Flight Lieutenant, while Mukti has become a military counselor. v The Conflict: Mukti, now pregnant and married to another man, is tasked with issuing a mental fitness certificate for Shankar in the rugged terrains of Leh Ladakh, forcing both to confront the ghosts of their shared history.
The Raanjhanaa Connection and Legal Row
The film has been marketed as a “spiritual successor” to Rai’s 2013 hit Raanjhanaa, a label that has brought both immense hype and significant legal trouble. As of today’s OTT launch, a ₹84 crore lawsuit filed by Eros International still looms over the production.
Eros claims that by using the IP of Raanjhanaa—specifically its themes, character archetypes, and the iconic “Shankar” surname—the makers (T-Series and Colour Yellow Productions) have infringed on their copyright.
Despite this, Aanand L Rai has remained defiant, stating that “anyone can say anything” and that the film stands as a unique creative entity. The presence of Mohammed Zeeshan Ayyub in a role reminiscent of his character ‘Murari’ further fuels these comparisons, though the actor delivers a distinct, “know-all priest” persona that fans have praised.
Box Office Success and Technical Brilliance
Before arriving on Netflix, “Tere Ishk Mein” proved its mettle at the box office, grossing over ₹161.96 crore worldwide. In India, it net approximately ₹112.73 crore, earning a “Clean Hit” status. The film’s success is largely attributed to:
Performances: Dhanush’s “warped but good-at-heart” portrayal and Kriti Sanon’s “neat essay of a fuddled character.”
Music: A soul-stirring score by A. R. Rahman, featuring tracks like “I Lied To You” and “Ghar Kab Aaoge”, which have topped global charts.
Cinematography: Capturing the stark contrast between the heat of Benares and the cold isolation of Ladakh.
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