Raanjhanaa (2013) Review – Rating, Verdict & Box Office | Tollybo
Last updated: 8 May 2026
Raanjhanaa (2013) Review
Raanjhanaa (2013), a Hindi drama, romance movie starring Dhanush, Sonam Kapoor Ahuja, Abhay Deol, is reviewed here. Directed by Aanand L. Rai. A small-town boy needs to break through the class divide to gain acceptance from his childhood sweetheart who is in love with big city ideals. Our Rating: 3/5. Verdict: ABOVE AVERAGE. Released: 21 Jun 2013. Runtime: 2h 20m.
Raanjhanaa(2013)
Hindi · Drama, Romance
2h 20m · 21 Jun 2013
Music: A.R. Rahman | DOP: Vishal Sinha, Natarajan Subramaniam | Writer: John Mahendran, Himanshu Sharma
Ratings
Our Rating
3
📖 Story
Raanjhanaa is a romantic drama that explores the intense and unrequited love of Kundan (Dhanush), a Hindu boy from Varanasi, for Zoya (Sonam Kapoor), a Muslim girl. The story traces Kundan's journey from childhood infatuation to adulthood, highlighting the complexities of love, religion, and societal pressures. The narrative delves into themes of obsession, heartbreak, and redemption as Kundan navigates his emotions and the consequences of his actions in a politically charged environment.
Raanjhanaa offers a heartfelt and emotionally charged narrative that blends romance with social commentary. The story is engaging, with a screenplay that balances humor, drama, and tragedy effectively. The pacing is well-maintained, with the first half setting up the characters and their relationships with a light and playful tone, while the second half deepens the emotional stakes and explores darker themes.
The film's music, composed by A.R. Rahman, is a standout element, featuring memorable songs that complement the narrative and enhance the emotional impact. The background score subtly supports the mood without overwhelming the scenes. Cinematography captures the vibrant and chaotic essence of Varanasi, adding authenticity and visual appeal.
Overall, the film's blend of strong performances, compelling storytelling, and soulful music makes it a memorable cinematic experience, though some viewers may find the emotional intensity and tragic elements heavy towards the end.
Dhanush: Powerful and heartfelt portrayal of Kundan, capturing innocence, passion, and vulnerability.
Sonam Kapoor Ahuja: Graceful and nuanced performance as Zoya, balancing strength and sensitivity.
Abhay Deol: Solid supporting role adding depth to the narrative.
Swara Bhasker: Effective and memorable in a supporting role.
💪 Strengths & Weaknesses
Strengths
- ✓Strong emotional core and character development
- ✓Memorable music and background score by A.R. Rahman
- ✓Authentic depiction of Varanasi
- ✓Engaging screenplay with balanced humor and drama
Weaknesses
- ✕Second half may feel heavy and intense for some viewers
- ✕Certain plot elements rely on melodrama
🎬 Direction & Writing
Aanand L. Rai delivers a sensitive and heartfelt direction that brings out strong performances and maintains narrative balance. His writing effectively combines romance with social issues, creating a relatable and impactful story.
📰 Critic Reviews
📰 Ratings Sources
| Source | Rating |
|---|---|
| 3 | |
| 3.5 | |
| 3.5 | |
| 3.5 | |
| 3.5 |
Our Rating
💰 Box Office Collection
No collection data available yet.
🏛️ Centers & 🏅 Awards
No centers data available.
No awards data available.
😊 Sentiment Breakdown & 🧠 Critics
| Type | Value |
|---|---|
| Positive | 65% |
| Neutral | 25% |
| Negative | 10% |
Critics
Critics praised Raanjhanaa for its fresh storytelling, strong performances, and soulful music. The film was noted for its emotional depth and authentic portrayal of small-town India, though some reviews pointed out the melodramatic tendencies in the latter half.
Final Box-Office Result
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
When did Raanjhanaa release in theatres?▾
Raanjhanaa released on 21 June 2013 (2013).
Is Raanjhanaa a hit or flop?▾
Raanjhanaa is declared a ABOVE AVERAGE at the box office.
What is the budget of Raanjhanaa?▾
Budget of Raanjhanaa is approximately ₹903232 Crore.
Where to watch Raanjhanaa online? OTT release date?▾
Raanjhanaa is available on Eros Now Select Apple TV Channel. OTT date will be updated soon.
Who directed Raanjhanaa?▾
Raanjhanaa directed by Aanand L. Rai. Produced by Krishika Lulla.
Who are the main cast members of Raanjhanaa?▾
Raanjhanaa stars Dhanush, Sonam Kapoor Ahuja, Abhay Deol, Swara Bhasker, Mohammed Zeeshan Ayyub.
What is the Tollybo rating for Raanjhanaa?▾
Tollybo rates Raanjhanaa 3/5. Verdict: ABOVE AVERAGE.
Who composed the music for Raanjhanaa?▾
Music for Raanjhanaa composed by A.R. Rahman.
What is the genre and runtime of Raanjhanaa?▾
Raanjhanaa — Genre: Drama, Romance, Runtime: 140 minutes, Language: Hindi.