Madhavan's first theatrical release after his sabbatical was Anand L. Rai's "Tanu Weds Manu Returns", a sequel to the 2011 film, which released in May 2015. Prior to the film's release, Madhavan stated that the "content of the film was more important than the stars" and acknowledged that the popularity of Kangana Ranaut would help the film gain a good opening at the box office. Reprising his role as Manu, Madhavan won acclaim for his restrained performance and the film went on to become a critical and commercial success. The critic from Bollywood Hungama wrote "Madhavan excels in his role despite it being a restrained one, which was anyways the call of his character" and added "he is very endearing who never tries to overshadow anyone and emerges a winner", while Sify.com stated he gives a "subtle and restrained performance". "Tanu Weds Manu Returns" earned worldwide at the end of its theatrical run, to become one of the highest-grossing Bollywood films in 2015.