Celebrated filmmaker Aanand L Rai is once again channeling his deep-rooted connection with Banaras, almost a decade after his cult romantic drama Raanjhanaa. His latest film, ‘Tere Ishk Mein’, promises to be a spiritual successor to the 2013 classic, and Rai is making sure to capture the essence of Varanasi’s ancient charm with the same passion and authenticity that made Raanjhanaa a cinematic gem.

Dhanush Reunites with Rai in a Fresh Tale of Love

In a move that has thrilled fans, Rai reunites with South Indian superstar Dhanush, who delivered a breakthrough performance as Kundan in Raanjhanaa. This time, Dhanush is paired opposite Kriti Sanon, bringing a fresh on-screen dynamic to a narrative that is once again steeped in emotion, intensity, and cultural richness.

The film, written by Himanshu Sharma and Neeraj Yadav, is set to release in November 2025, and early teasers already suggest a powerful, emotionally layered love story.

Banaras vs. Delhi: Two Worlds, One Story

Before heading to the sacred ghats of Banaras, the crew wrapped up an intense shoot schedule in Delhi, which lent the film a gritty, urban realism. Now in Banaras, the tone shifts to one of nostalgia and spiritual depth. According to sources close to the project, this duality—Delhi’s raw edge versus Banaras’s timeless allure—is central to the film’s narrative arc.

Aanand L Rai is known for shooting in real locations, a hallmark of his directing style that prioritizes authenticity and unpredictability over the polish of studio sets. This decision adds depth to his stories, anchoring characters in environments that feel lived-in and emotionally resonant.

Behind the Scenes: Lights, Camera, Banaras

Sharing a behind-the-scenes video on Instagram, Aanand L Rai gave fans a sneak peek into the Banaras leg of filming. His caption read: “Lights. Camera. Banaras. Duniya wahi, kahaani nayi… @aanandlrai ke andaaz mein… From the #WorldOfRaanjhanaa – #TereIshkMein now filming!”

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Colour Yellow Productions (@cypplofficial)

The video features Rai wandering through the iconic streets and alleys of Varanasi, soaking in the atmosphere and scouting for the perfect frames. The visual storytelling reaffirms Rai’s commitment to making every shot feel real, raw, and grounded in the spirit of the city.

A Sentimental Homecoming: Rai’s Emotional Return to Varanasi

Before the cameras rolled in Banaras, Aanand L Rai paid a heartfelt visit to the Kashi Vishwanath Temple, one of India’s most sacred shrines. Marking his return to the city that shaped Raanjhanaa, he posted a photo from outside the same house featured in the original film, writing: “12 saal baad … unhi galiyon mein … usi ghar ke bahar. #nostalgic #raanjhanaa #kundan” (“After 12 years… in those same streets… outside that same house.”)

The emotional post struck a chord with fans, many of whom reminisced about the unforgettable journey of Kundan and Zoya in Raanjhanaa.

Teaser Teases Transformation: Meet Shankar

The teaser for Tere Ishk Mein drops a dramatic line that has already become the talk of Bollywood: “Pichli baar to Kundan tha, maan gaya, par iss bar Shankar ko kaise rokoge?” (“Last time it was Kundan, he accepted it, but how will you stop Shankar this time?”)

The visual shows Dhanush’s character, Shankar, perched on a burning wall emblazoned with the words “From the world of Raanjhanaa.” The imagery is bold and symbolic, hinting at a more intense, possibly darker character arc than that of Kundan.

Thematic Continuity with a New Narrative Pulse

While Tere Ishk Mein is not a direct sequel, it is deeply inspired by the world of Raanjhanaa. The film explores similar emotional terrain—unrequited love, social divides, and personal transformation—but introduces new characters, settings, and stakes. Dhanush’s character appears more assertive and fiery, contrasting with the tender and tragic Kundan.

Rai and his team are crafting a story that honors the legacy of Raanjhanaa while boldly stepping into a new cinematic realm, one that is raw, passionate, and socially relevant.

Final Thoughts: The Legacy of Love in Banaras Continues

With Tere Ishk Mein, Aanand L Rai rekindles his cinematic love affair with Banaras, a city that breathes life into his stories with its blend of chaos, culture, and calm. The combination of Dhanush’s emotive performance, Kriti Sanon’s fresh presence, and Rai’s evocative storytelling makes this one of the most anticipated Bollywood releases of 2025.

As fans await the full trailer, the teaser and behind-the-scenes glimpses already signal a film that will be visually rich, emotionally stirring, and narratively bold—a fitting continuation of the legacy started by Raanjhanaa.