2025’s Toxic Romance Trend: ‘Tere Ishk Mein’ Leads Box Office Comeback
Indian cinema’s resurgence of toxic heroes in 2025 is reshaping romance with obsession and control.
In 2025, Indian cinema is witnessing a striking revival of toxic masculinity under the guise of romance, with films portraying obsession, emotional manipulation, and control as love’s new norm. Leading this trend, “Tere Ishk Mein,” directed by Aanand L Rai and starring Dhanush and Kriti Sanon, has achieved remarkable box office success despite its problematic portrayal of a fiery, possessive male protagonist and a limited female character. The film's Rs 51.75 crore collection within three days signals audiences’ growing acceptance—and even celebration—of deeply flawed, unstable heroes.
This resurgence is not isolated. Films like “Ek Deewane Ki Deewaniyat” and upcoming releases by directors known for glorifying rage and entitlement, such as Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s “Spirit,” further cement the toxic hero as a box office phenomenon. The cinematic template of a man driven by anger, possessiveness, and disregard for consent has been commercially lucrative, reflecting a troubling cultural acceptance of such behavior.
Beyond Bollywood, southern cinema also participates in this toxic narrative. Films such as “Thalaivan Thalaivii” and “The Girlfriend” explore emotional coercion and abusive relationships, often framing them as intense love stories. Even more subtle forms of toxicity emerge in films like “Mrs,” where patriarchal control is masked by tradition and polite behavior, highlighting the multifaceted nature of problematic relationships presented on screen.
Also Read: Dhanush-Kriti Sanon’s "Tere Ishk Mein" Crosses Rs 30 Crore in Just Two Days at Box Office
Yet amid this troubling glorification of destructive love, some films offer a glimmer of hope. Characters like Bhooma and Richa exemplify growing resistance by rejecting abusive relationships and reclaiming their agency, signaling a slow but crucial shift in narrative focus. While the toxic hero enjoys renewed commercial vigor, the portrayal of empowered women walking away marks a subtle but meaningful counterpoint in 2025’s cinematic landscape.
Also Read: Tere Ishk Mein Trailer: Dhanush’s Intense Love Burns Delhi in Aanand L Rai’s Latest
