Filmmaker Aanand L. Rai, known for his emotionally rich storytelling, recently spoke about his upcoming film Tere Ishk Mein, set in Delhi, and reflected deeply on his long–standing creative bond with actor Dhanush. The director, who previously collaborated with Dhanush in Raanjhanaa and Atrangi Re, said the film aims to explore love with greater depth and maturity.
Rai revealed that Tere Ishk Mein allowed him to tell a heartfelt love story rooted in emotional truth. Translating his thoughts, he said, “My intention was to tell a beautiful story with depth. I have fulfilled that desire. Love doesn’t always break you; sometimes it puts you back together. In this story, I chose a path that reflects exactly that.”
Rai spoke with exceptional admiration about Dhanush, calling him a filmmaker’s dream and an actor who elevates any story he touches.He said, “ There is no limit with Dhanush. You can challenge him to any extent. That is the fun for any writer or director when you have an actor who lets you place him anywhere and fly creatively.”
Rai explained that evolution is necessary for any creative person, and Dhanush embodies that growth. He shared, “Change is natural and necessary. If a creative person doesn’t evolve over the years, he won’t enjoy the process. When I met Dhanush for the first time, I immediately understood that with him I could take the toughest stories and the most complex characters to the audience. An actor must not only perform a role—he must live it. I realized this during Raanjhanaa.”
He also reflected on the emotional complexity of Dhanush’s iconic characters:“Taking a character like Shankar to such emotional heights while still keeping him lovable requires an extraordinary actor. Dhanush makes that possible.”
With Tere Ishq Mein, Aanand L. Rai appears to be returning to a world where love is layered, imperfect, and transformative—much like his earlier work. His collaboration with Dhanush, once again at the center of the narrative, promises an emotionally charged experience for audiences.