Get Ready! Rashmika Mandanna Dives Deep in 'The Girlfriend'

National Crush Rashmika Mandanna is taking on a super intense role in her upcoming film, 'The Girlfriend,' and the recently dropped trailer promises a love story unlike any other you've seen in Telugu cinema.

TL;DR

• Rashmika Mandanna stars in "The Girlfriend," an intense love story exploring toxic relationships from a female perspective.
• Directed by Rahul Ravindran, the film also features Dheekshith Shetty and Rao Ramesh, and is set for a grand worldwide release on November 7th, 2025.
• Rashmika's groundbreaking decision to take her remuneration only after the film's release highlights her deep belief in the project and commitment to quality storytelling.

Rashmika Mandanna, our beloved National Crush, has been riding a massive wave of success lately with back-to-back hits, but her next venture, 'The Girlfriend,' looks set to challenge everything we thought we knew about her on-screen persona. The trailer for this much-anticipated film, which dropped on Saturday, October 25, 2025, has everyone talking about its bold, unconventional premise and Rashmika's incredibly intense performance.

Directed by Rahul Ravindran, 'The Girlfriend' is poised to be a radical love story that dives deep into the complexities of a toxic relationship, viewed entirely through a female lens. This fresh perspective, especially in Telugu cinema, is sparking a lot of conversations and setting high expectations for what promises to be a powerful cinematic experience.

Unpacking the Intense Emotional Rollercoaster of 'The Girlfriend' Trailer

The trailer for 'The Girlfriend' gives us a glimpse into the turbulent world of Bhooma, played by Rashmika Mandanna. From the outset, it's clear this isn't your typical feel-good romance. We see Bhooma hesitantly asking her boyfriend, Vikram (Dheekshith Shetty), if they should take a break, a stark contrast to a flashback scene of his confident proposal.

As the trailer progresses, the film plunges into the murky waters where affection curdles into obsession. Bhooma finds herself caught in a painful emotional entanglement, experiencing doubt, anger, emotional turmoil, and crippling jealousy. Vikram's unpredictable behavior, compounded by the introduction of another woman, Durga (Anu Emmanuel), leaves Bhooma increasingly confused and in anguish. The emotional core of the film seems to revolve around Bhooma's journey as she grapples with the strained relationship, even questioning the very label of "girlfriend." Adding to the drama, Bhooma is also "sandwiched" between this toxic relationship and her disapproving father, played by the veteran actor Rao Ramesh.

With Hesham Abdul Wahab on music duty, we can expect a score that perfectly complements the film's intense emotional beats. The stunning cinematography by Krishnan Vasant was also praised at the trailer launch, with him noting, "We're bringing an intense and passionate story to the screen."

A Bold Narrative Approach Rarely Explored in Telugu Cinema

What makes 'The Girlfriend' particularly noteworthy is its willingness to tackle a hard-hitting, toxic love story from a female perspective. While Bollywood has explored such themes with wide reception in the past, they're quite a rarity in Telugu cinema. Even films like 'Arjun Reddy,' which delved into toxic relationships, were predominantly narrated through the hero's viewpoint.

This film breaks that mold, aiming to explore the theme specifically through Bhooma's experiences and struggles. Director Rahul Ravindran emphasized this, stating, "This story is real, rooted, and emotional. Rashmika and Dheekshith gave life to it with their performances." This narrative choice presents a significant challenge: will Tollywood audiences embrace such an extreme love story when told from the heroine's point of view? The critical reception and box office outcome will undoubtedly provide that answer, but it's a bold move that could pave the way for more diverse storytelling.

Rashmika's Unwavering Commitment and Groundbreaking Remuneration Deal

Beyond the intriguing plot, Rashmika Mandanna's dedication to 'The Girlfriend' is also making headlines. At the film's trailer launch event, producer SKN praised her work ethic, especially in light of ongoing industry discussions about actor working hours.

"At a time when there’s debate on how many hours one should work, there’s only one heroine in pan-India who’s willing to work however many hours needed. She views work with love, not in terms of hours. Her commitment is about timing, not strict limits. This is why everyone feels like Rashmika is part of the family."

— Producer SKN

Adding to this, co-producer Dheeraj Mogilineni revealed a truly unique aspect of Rashmika's involvement: she didn't take an upfront fee for the film. Instead, she asked the makers to focus on producing a quality product and stated she would discuss her remuneration only after the film's release. This exceptional gesture, Mogilineni explained, served as a huge confidence booster and driving force for the entire team, showcasing her immense belief in the story.

Rashmika herself articulated this philosophy, sharing, "For me, it’s not about box office numbers or success but about being part of good films that tell meaningful stories. And The Girlfriend, I felt like an important film to do." This commitment to character and story over immediate financial gains speaks volumes about her approach to cinema and could set a new precedent in the industry.

The 8-Hour Work Shift Debate: An Industry-Wide Discussion Sparked by Deepika Padukone

Producer SKN's praise for Rashmika's flexible work hours implicitly tied into a larger industry debate, reportedly sparked by Deepika Padukone. Reports indicated that Deepika had requested an 8-hour work shift for her projects, leading to her alleged exit from major films like Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s 'Spirit' and Nag Ashwin’s 'Kalki 2898 AD' sequel.

Deepika has publicly defended her stance, pointing out a double standard where prominent male stars asking for fixed shifts are often lauded as "family men," while similar requests from female actors face criticism. She highlighted the often "disorganized" nature of the film industry, particularly concerning working hours. Rashmika, too, has commented on varying work schedules, noting that South Indian films often adhere to a 9 AM-6 PM schedule, whereas Hindi films can stretch from 9 AM-9 PM, and often even longer.

This ongoing discussion underscores the differing priorities and challenges actors face in an demanding industry. While Rashmika's flexibility is commendable and a testament to her dedication to 'The Girlfriend,' Deepika's push for structured work hours champions work-life balance and equality, demonstrating that both approaches are valid reflections of an evolving industry.

What's Next for the Busy National Crush Beyond 'The Girlfriend'?

Rashmika Mandanna truly has a jam-packed schedule! She's had a busy year already, starring in Hindi films like 'Chhaava,' 'Sikandar,' and 'Thamma,' as well as 'Kuberaa,' released in Telugu and Tamil. After 'The Girlfriend' hits screens on November 7th, fans can also look forward to her in 'Cocktail 2' and 'Mysaa.'

On a personal note, the star was also recently in the news for her engagement to actor Vijay Deverakonda, which reportedly took place earlier this month, with their wedding planned for February next year. It looks like 2025 is shaping up to be a monumental year for Rashmika, both professionally and personally!

With 'The Girlfriend,' Rashmika Mandanna is venturing into uncharted territory for Telugu cinema, offering a raw and unflinching look at a toxic relationship from a female perspective. Her unwavering commitment and unique approach to the project, combined with an intense trailer, make this one a must-watch. Mark your calendars for November 7th!

Frequently Asked Questions About Rashmika Mandanna's 'The Girlfriend'

When is "The Girlfriend" releasing? "The Girlfriend" is set to hit theaters worldwide on November 7, 2025.

Who is directing "The Girlfriend"? The film is directed by Rahul Ravindran.

What is the main plot of "The Girlfriend"? "The Girlfriend" explores the turbulent journey of Bhooma (Rashmika Mandanna), who finds herself in a toxic relationship with her classmate Vikram (Dheekshith Shetty) and also faces disapproval from her father. It's an intense love story told from a female perspective.

In how many languages will "The Girlfriend" be released? "The Girlfriend" will have a grand worldwide release in five languages: Telugu, Hindi, Tamil, Malayalam, and Kannada.

Sources

• Information derived from recent news articles published by Hindustan Times, Indian Express, Filmfare, and IndustryHit.com regarding "The Girlfriend" and Rashmika Mandanna.