New Delhi, Dec. 11 -- Critics' disdain and social media outrage seem powerless against films that strike a chord with the audience, with the latest proof being Anand L. Rai's romantic drama Tere Ishk Mein, which crossed Rs.100 crore domestically within two weeks of its 28 November release.

The Dhanush-Kriti Sanon starrer joins a growing list of widely slammed yet massively successful titles built on hyper-masculine leads, unapologetic melodrama and chart-topping music - think Animal ( Rs.556.36 crore) and Kabir Singh ( Rs.278.24 crore).

Trade experts say star power, catchy songs and raw emotional pull routinely trump reviews.

"A large section of the audience goes to the theatre for impact and engagement, not necessarily for realism or ...