Rashmika Mandanna's "The Girlfriend" Promises an Intense, Unconventional Love Story That Challenges Norms

National Crush Rashmika Mandanna is all set to surprise and perhaps even shock audiences with her latest film, "The Girlfriend," an emotional rollercoaster that completely turns the typical romantic drama on its head. Get ready to dive deep into a complex, raw relationship drama that's already sparking major industry conversations about dedication and changing narratives!

TL;DR: Quick Bites for the Busy Fan!

• Rashmika Mandanna stars in "The Girlfriend," an intense love story directed by Rahul Ravindran, hitting theatres on November 7th.
• This film promises to explore a toxic relationship from a unique, female perspective, a rare and bold narrative choice for Telugu cinema.
• Producers are publicly praising Rashmika's incredible dedication, highlighting her flexible work hours and her decision to defer her remuneration until after the film's release.

Get Ready for a Deep Dive into a Truly Different Kind of Cinematic Love Story

Rashmika Mandanna, affectionately known as the 'National Crush,' has been riding a massive wave of success with back-to-back hits, establishing herself as a prominent pan-India star. But for her next venture, "The Girlfriend," she's taking a courageous leap into a role that's anything but conventional. The trailer, which dropped on Saturday, October 25, 2025, has left everyone buzzing and audiences expecting a dramatically different experience from what many might anticipate from a romantic film.

Directed by Rahul Ravindran, "The Girlfriend" centers around Bhooma, played by Rashmika, a seemingly demure girl whose life spirals into a turbulent journey. She finds herself caught in a suffocating web between a toxic relationship with her classmate, Vikram (portrayed by Dheekshith Shetty), and the disapproving gaze of her father (played by the veteran Rao Ramesh). It’s a setup designed to explore the painful realities when affection curdles into obsession, showcasing haunting scenes that promise to resonate deeply with viewers.

Unpacking the Unconventional Narrative and Its Bold Female Perspective

The trailer for "The Girlfriend" has truly surprised many, especially Telugu fans who might have been expecting a feel-good romantic drama, given Rahul Ravindran’s previous work and Rashmika’s popular image. Instead, what we see is a radical love story, placing the female protagonist, Bhooma, squarely at the center of emotional turmoil. The narrative explores her struggle to navigate a strained relationship, forcing her to question her choices and the very nature of her commitment.

This approach marks a significant shift for Tollywood. While Bollywood has explored such hard-hitting love stories more frequently, they're quite rare in Telugu cinema. Even films like "Arjun Reddy," which touched upon toxic relationships, were largely narrated from the hero's point of view. "The Girlfriend," however, promises to tell this story unequivocally through a female lens. This perspective is crucial, as it allows audiences to experience the brunt of the emotional entanglement from Bhooma’s viewpoint, making her journey of doubt, anger, and pain incredibly relatable. It will be fascinating to see how the Tollywood audience embraces such an intense and female-centric exploration of love's darker side. The film’s box office outcome and critical reception will certainly be a benchmark for future projects.

Rashmika herself shared her thoughts on the film's unique appeal, noting on her Instagram that "This one's not your usual love story... it'll make you think. #TheGirlfriend trailer out now... In cinemas on November 7th." She further elaborated that for her, the project isn’t about chasing box office numbers but about being part of meaningful stories. She believes "The Girlfriend" came at just the right time in her career to tell such an important story.

All the Key Details: Who's Involved and When Can You Watch This Intense Drama?

So, mark your calendars! "The Girlfriend" is gearing up for a grand worldwide release on November 7, 2025. And the best part? It's not just for Telugu audiences! The film will be released in multiple languages, making it a true pan-India experience:

• Telugu
• Hindi
• Tamil
• Malayalam
• Kannada

Here’s a look at the talented team bringing this unique story to life:

• Director: Rahul Ravindran
• Lead Cast:
  • Rashmika Mandanna as Bhooma
  • Dheekshith Shetty as Vikram
  • Rao Ramesh as Bhooma's disapproving father
  • Anu Emmanuel as Durga (another significant character in the narrative)
• Producers: Dheeraj Mogilineni, Vidya Koppineedi
• Presented by: Allu Aravind under Geetha Arts
• Music Director: Hesham Abdul Wahab
• Cinematographer: Krishnan Vasant

At the Hyderabad trailer launch, cinematographer Krishnan Vasant expressed his excitement, stating, "We're bringing an intense and passionate story to the screen. I hope everyone supports our movie." Director Rahul Ravindran echoed this, saying, "This story is real, rooted, and emotional. Rashmika and Dheekshith gave life to it with their performances."

Rashmika Mandanna's Unwavering Dedication to the Craft and "The Girlfriend"

Beyond the film's compelling storyline, "The Girlfriend" has become a talking point due to Rashmika Mandanna's extraordinary commitment to the project. This dedication has been highlighted by the film's producers, who couldn't stop praising her work ethic amidst a growing industry debate about actor working hours.

Producer SKN publicly lauded Rashmika at an event, describing her as the "only actor" without strict work-hour demands. This commendation comes at a time when discussions about set schedules and artist availability are at an all-time high in the film industry. SKN’s remarks, in particular, brought Rashmika's work ethic into sharp focus:

"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, praising Rashmika Mandanna's dedication.

Producer Dheeraj Mogilineni further revealed a truly rare gesture from Rashmika: she opted not to take any upfront remuneration for the film. Instead, she requested to be paid only after the film’s release, emphasizing her belief in the story and the importance of a quality product. This move clearly gave the makers immense confidence and served as a driving force during production. As Mogilineni put it, "Her gesture gave us confidence and was the driving force. It also shows how much she believed in the story." Rashmika herself reiterated that for her, it’s about "being part of good films that tell meaningful stories," rather than just focusing on box office numbers.

Rashmika’s willingness to remain flexible and her profound belief in the project clearly demonstrate a collaborative ethos behind the scenes. This level of commitment is inspiring and assures audiences and industry observers alike that "The Girlfriend" was approached with deep passion and dedication from its lead star.

The Industry's 8-Hour Work Shift Debate: Deepika Padukone's Stance and the Lingering Conversation

The discussion around Rashmika’s flexible working hours inevitably ties into a larger, ongoing debate within the Indian film industry, particularly concerning actors’ demands for fixed work shifts. Producer SKN's comments were widely interpreted as an indirect dig at Deepika Padukone, who reportedly exited major films like Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s "Spirit" and Nag Ashwin’s "Kalki 2898 AD" sequel due to her request for an 8-hour work shift.

Deepika Padukone, a prominent figure in the industry, has publicly defended her stance, pointing out a double standard often applied to female stars:

"By virtue of being a woman, if that's coming across as being pushy or whatever, then so be it."

— Deepika Padukone, addressing the controversy around her 8-hour work shift request.

She highlighted that many male stars have consistently worked 8-hour shifts for years without facing negative headlines or being labeled as less committed. Deepika also candidly noted that despite being called an "industry," the film sector is often "disorganised" in various aspects, implying a need for more structured working conditions. This ongoing debate raises important questions about work-life balance, gender equality, and the professionalization of film sets.

Interestingly, Rashmika Mandanna herself has previously commented on work schedules, explaining that in South Indian film industries, a 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. schedule is common. However, she noted that Hindi film shoots might stretch from 9 a.m. – 9 p.m., and often, shoots extend well beyond even those hours across both industries. This shows an understanding of the demanding nature of film production while also bringing the larger conversation about sustainable work practices to the forefront.

While some fans defended Deepika, arguing that wanting a healthy work-life balance is not a flaw and that comparing actors at different career stages is unfair, Rashmika’s willingness to adapt to extended hours for a project she believes in has been highlighted as a distinct quality. This contrast fuels a fascinating discussion about commitment, personal boundaries, and the evolving expectations within the demanding world of cinema.

What Else is on the Horizon for the Bubbly National Crush?

Even with "The Girlfriend" generating significant buzz, Rashmika Mandanna isn't slowing down. Her schedule is packed, cementing her status as one of the busiest and most sought-after actresses across various Indian film industries. This year alone, she has already starred in Hindi films like "Chhaava," "Sikandar," and "Thamma." She also featured in "Kuberaa," which was released in both Telugu and Tamil.

Looking ahead, beyond "The Girlfriend," Rashmika has a couple more exciting projects lined up, including "Cocktail 2" and "Mysaa." Her diverse filmography shows her versatility and her keen interest in taking on varied roles and challenging herself with different narratives. It's clear that Rashmika is not just a commercial success but an artist dedicated to exploring the breadth of storytelling.

On a personal note, Rashmika was recently in the news for her engagement to actor Vijay Deverakonda, which reportedly took place earlier this month. The popular couple is expected to tie the knot in February next year, adding another layer of excitement to her already eventful life. With her professional career soaring and personal life blossoming, Rashmika Mandanna continues to be a captivating figure both on and off screen.

Final Thoughts: A Bold Step for Rashmika and Telugu Cinema

"The Girlfriend" is shaping up to be more than just another movie; it’s a statement. With Rashmika Mandanna leading a raw, intense love story from a female perspective, it could very well pave the way for more nuanced and challenging narratives in Telugu cinema. Her incredible dedication, from flexible work hours to deferring remuneration, speaks volumes about her belief in this project's vision.

As the film prepares for its pan-India release on November 7th, all eyes will be on Rashmika and Rahul Ravindran to see if this unconventional tale can strike a chord with audiences and critics alike, proving that meaningful, thought-provoking stories are always worth the effort—and perhaps, the longer hours too.

Frequently Asked Questions About "The Girlfriend"

When is "The Girlfriend" releasing in cinemas?

"The Girlfriend" is set to release in theatres on November 7, 2025.

What is the main plot of "The Girlfriend"?

"The Girlfriend" is an intense, unconventional love story centered on Bhooma (Rashmika Mandanna) who is caught in a turbulent, toxic relationship with her classmate Vikram (Dheekshith Shetty), while also dealing with a disapproving father. The film explores the emotional toll of love turning into obsession from a female perspective.

Who are the main actors in "The Girlfriend"?

The film stars Rashmika Mandanna as Bhooma, Dheekshith Shetty as Vikram, Rao Ramesh as Bhooma's father, and Anu Emmanuel in a significant role.

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.

Who directed "The Girlfriend"?

"The Girlfriend" is directed by Rahul Ravindran.

Sources

• "‘The Girlfriend’ Has a Tough Challenge Ahead" by Kumar, Published on: 10:26 am, 26 October 2025 (Hindustan Times Telugu)
• "Producer calls Rashmika Mandanna only actor who doesn't demand strict work hours amid Deepika Padukone-Spirit-Kalki row" by Neeshita Nyayapati, Updated on: Oct 27, 2025 03:35 pm IST (Hindustan Times)
• "The Girlfriend trailer: Rashmika Mandanna is caught in a toxic relationship with Dheekshith Shetty" by Entertainment Desk, Updated: October 26, 2025 03:17 PM IST (The Indian Express)
• "South Producer Praises Rashmika For Not Counting Shoot Hours; Takes Indirect Dig At Deepika" by Adya Godboley, Published: Oct 27, 2025, 15:22 IST (News18)
• "'No 8-hour rule': Producer S. K. N. reveals Rashmika Mandanna worked flexible hours on The Girlfriend" by Bhawana Tanmayi, October 26, 2025 / 13:13 IST (Moneycontrol)
• "‘Rashmika will win best actor award for her performance’", 26-10-2025 12:00:00 AM (Telangana Today)
• "The Girlfriend: Rashmika Mandanna Impressed Everyone With Her Views on Her Fee" by Filmfare, Published on Oct 26, 2025, 16:41 IST (Filmfare)
• "The Girlfriend Movie Trailer Launch – Pics" (IndustryHit.Com)
• "Rashmika Mandanna Stuns in Dreamy Pink at The Girlfriend Trailer Launch" October 27, 2025, 11:04 IST (Deccan Chronicle)