Mumbai: Dhanush and Kriti Sanon’s much awaited romantic drama Tere Ishk Mein has finally arrived in cinemas, and early numbers suggest that the film is off to a very strong start. The Aanand L Rai directorial, which reunited the Raanjhanaa team after more than a decade, has earned Rs 16.50 crore on its opening day, as per early box office estimates by Sacnilk.
This impressive start has made the film the second biggest opening for a romantic movie in 2025, right behind Saiyaara which collected Rs 21.5 crore. The buzz of the dramatic trailer, the music album that hit the right notes and the nostalgia of the Raanjhanaa couple have all added to this push.
Biggest Bollywood Opening of Dhanush’s Career
Tere Ishk Mein has also become the biggest Hindi film opening of Dhanush’s career. His earlier Hindi debut Raanjhanaa had opened at Rs 5.60 crore, while his second collaboration with Aanand L Rai, Atrangi Re, released directly on OTT. The actor has come back to the big screen this time with a role that audiences have been anticipating, and the box office numbers reflect that excitement.
Another highlight of the film’s Day 1 performance is that it has outperformed several big star releases of the year. Tere Ishk Mein has already surpassed:
- Jolly LLB 3 (Rs 12 crore)
- Sitaare Zameen Par (Rs 10.70 crore)
This puts Dhanush and Kriti Sanon’s romantic drama firmly among the top openers of 2025.
Strong Music and Raanjhanaa Hangover Boost the Film
One of the major reasons behind the film’s strong start is its music, which has connected deeply with listeners. Just like Saiyaara and Ek Deewane Ki Deewaniyat, which benefitted from chart topping songs and became surprise box office hits, Tere Ishk Mein is enjoying a similar buzz.
Fans of Raanjhanaa have also been drawn to the movie with curiosity, wanting to see how Aanand L Rai and Dhanush recreate the emotional intensity they are known for. This built in audience is helping the movie’s initial run considerably.
The Road Ahead: Weekend Test Begins
While the film has started strong, its mixed reviews may play a role in how it performs over the next few days. The movie now needs to maintain momentum on Saturday and Sunday to achieve a successful first weekend.
If it manages steady growth, Tere Ishk Mein could earn around Rs 45 crore by Sunday. A slightly bigger push might even take it closer to the Rs 50 crore mark, which would give the film the perfect launch it needs for the coming week.
Also Read | Tere Ishk Mein Review: Powerful Performances Shine but an Overlong, Uneven Story Holds It Back
