
New Delhi, September 26, 2024 — Filmmaker Aanand L. Rai has expressed his admiration for actor Dhanush, highlighting the latter’s exceptional ability to portray complex characters. This collaboration marks their third project together, following the successful films Raanjhanaa (2013) and Atrangi Re (2021).
In a recent interview, Rai emphasized that Dhanush is his “comfort zone,” stating, “When I’m challenging myself with these kinds of layered stories, I need great pillars with me to hold it, and Dhanush is one of them.” His confidence in Dhanush’s talent makes him the ideal choice for the multifaceted roles Rai often creates.

Themes and Connections to Raanjhanaa
While discussing Tere Ishk Mein, Rai hinted at thematic similarities with Raanjhanaa, noting that the new film is rooted in the same emotional landscape. He clarified, however, that Tere Ishk Mein is not a sequel: “It is from the world of Raanjhanaa, but is it Raanjhanaa 2? No, it is not. When I say the world of Raanjhanaa, I’m talking from the maker’s perspective, that I’m spending on the emotions which were there in Raanjhanaa.”
Rai elaborated on the shared elements, stating, “Both are tragedies, both have anger and rage. Love stories are layered; it is not a straight man-woman thing. That’s why I say it is from the world of Raanjhanaa as it has got both. But both are different stories.”

Collaborators and Music
Rai is reuniting with his frequent collaborators for Tere Ishk Mein, including renowned composer A.R. Rahman and lyricist Irshad Kamil. Rai described Rahman as another “great pillar” in his filmmaking process, noting the importance of collaboration in bringing his cinematic visions to life. “Whenever I’ve got a heavyweight story, I want to go to a bigger actor, and Dhanush is the one I rely on,” he added.

Speculation on the Female Lead
As for the casting of the female lead, there’s growing speculation around Triptii Dimri potentially taking on the role. While Rai did not confirm her casting, he mentioned that an announcement would be made soon. He emphasized the significance of the female character, saying, “When you are indulging in a love story, you need to see chemistry and complexities. It is one of the finest characters that we are working on. We want to do something different.”
Reflecting on his past works, Rai shared his interest in exploring relationships, saying, “Dealing with man-woman relationships, whether it was between Tanu and Manu from Tanu Weds Manu, or Kundan and Zoya from Raanjhanaa, or Rinku and Vishu from Atrangi Re. I’m looking forward to exploring these two characters.”
Conclusion
As anticipation builds for Tere Ishk Mein, fans are eager to see how Dhanush and Rai will once again weave complex narratives that resonate with audiences. With a stellar cast and creative team behind it, the film promises to deliver a unique blend of emotion and storytelling that Rai is known for.