Aanand L Rai And Dhanush: A Decade-Long Partnership That Transformed Indian Romance On Screen

In 2013, director Aanand L Rai took a big swing. Fresh off the success of Tanu Weds Manu, he cast Dhanush, a major South Indian star, as the lead in his next Hindi film. Long before the term “pan-India” entered the industry’s vocabulary, that decision quietly altered the course of Bollywood. What seemed like an audacious gamble became one of Hindi cinema’s most inspired casting choices.

Raanjhanaa didn’t merely introduce Dhanush to Hindi-speaking audiences; it transformed him into a genuine national phenomenon. His emotional depth and raw intensity transcended linguistic and regional boundaries, earning him a devoted following. With lifetime earnings of ₹101+ crore, the film’s critical and commercial success laid the foundation for one of contemporary Indian cinema’s most enduring actor-director partnerships.

Over the next decade, this professional association evolved into something far deeper. A creative kinship rooted in trust, risk-taking, and a shared artistic vision. From Raanjhanaa to Atrangi Re and now Tere Ishk Mein, the duo has delivered three films that explore love through increasingly complex and unconventional lenses. Released amid the challenges of the pandemic, Atrangi Re found remarkable success through its digital premiere, reportedly garnering over 8.8 million views in its first three days and becoming Disney+ Hotstar’s most-viewed title on its release day. The numbers underscored the audience’s faith in this collaboration, even beyond traditional box-office measures.

What truly distinguishes this pairing is how sustained success has only strengthened their bond, both on and off screen. While box-office figures reflect their collective pull, it is their shared commitment to emotionally provocative storytelling that defines their legacy. As Tere Ishk Mein continues its theatrical run, now in its fourth week with earnings of ₹175 Cr. and counting, it is clear that a single audacious casting choice has grown into a decade-long journey that has permanently reshaped the language of on-screen romance in Indian cinema.