The 2013 romantic drama Raanjhanaa, starring Dhanush and Sonam Kapoor, is set to re-release in theaters on February 28, 2025. Directed by Aanand L. Rai, the film explores themes of love, sacrifice, and destiny, making it a memorable movie in the romance genre. PVR Cinemas announced the news on Instagram, stating, "Some love stories deserve an encore!" This re-release offers fans a chance to relive the emotional saga on the big screen.
Raanjhanaa tells the story of Kundan (Dhanush), a small-town boy from Varanasi who is deeply in love with his childhood friend, Zoya (Sonam Kapoor). Despite their different religious and social backgrounds, Kundan remains devoted to her. The film follows Kundan's unwavering dedication to Zoya, even when she falls for Akram (Abhay Deol), a student leader from Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) in Delhi. Kundan's journey is marked by unrequited love, political involvement, and ultimately, sacrifice.
The film is known for its raw portrayal of emotions and relationships. While Kundan relentlessly pursues Zoya's heart, she finds herself drawn to Akram, leading to a complex love triangle. After discovering that Akram is actually Jasjeet, a Sikh man pretending to be Muslim, Kundan becomes entangled in a web of political intrigue and tragedy. Overwhelmed with guilt, Kundan tries to redeem himself by joining Jasjeet's political party and becoming a key figure in it.
Raanjhanaa has been praised for its music, composed by A.R. Rahman, with lyrics by Irshad Kamil. Songs like "Tum Tak" and "Piya Milenge" became instant classics and continue to resonate with audiences. The film's soundtrack captures the essence of love, longing, and heartbreak.
Upon its release in 2013, Raanjhanaa received positive reviews for its writing, direction, performances, cinematography, and soundtrack. Critics noted the film's ability to defy audience expectations and deliver abrupt surprises. Dhanush's performance as Kundan was particularly praised, with many appreciating his ability to make viewers believe in his love for Zoya. Sonam Kapoor, Abhay Deol, Mohammed Zeeshan Ayyub, and Swara Bhaskar also received accolades for their roles.
Some critics found the second half of the film less engaging, as it delved into political themes that diluted the love story. However, many appreciated the film's raw emotions and portrayal of love and relationships. The film was a commercial success, grossing ₹201 million in its first weekend and being declared a "Hit" by Box Office India within a week of its release.
The re-release of Raanjhanaa follows a trend of revisiting classic films in theaters. Other movies like Rockstar, Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara, Jab We Met, and Chak De! India have also been re-released, attracting both nostalgic fans and new viewers. Aanand L. Rai is currently working on Tere Ishk Mein, starring Dhanush and Kriti Sanon, which has been described as a spiritual spin-off.
