Rashmika Mandanna's 'The Girlfriend' Receives Mixed Reviews

Rashmika Mandanna's anticipated romantic drama, 'The Girlfriend', directed by Rahul Ravindran, premiered in cinemas this week. Fans attending the initial screenings have expressed their views on social media, predominantly praising Mandanna's performance and the story's direction.

Early Reactions to the Film

Initial reactions suggest that audiences are engaging with the film, even though it features a slow start. One reviewer shared their thoughts on X (formerly Twitter), stating, "The grounded drama unfolds at a leisurely pace but gains momentum, especially in the latter half, with several standout moments. Strong performances across the board." Another viewer noted, "The first half showcased impressive acting from Rashmika Mandanna, Deekshith Shetty, and Anu Emmanuel, though the pacing was slower, revealing key plot points just before the interval."

Mandanna's Notable Performance

Viewers have described this as Rashmika Mandanna's best performance to date, with her character Bhooma receiving significant acclaim. A review summarised, "While the film progresses slowly, it does so with a clear intent, backed by excellent music, well-crafted dialogues, and a notably directed pre-interval segment. The narrative’s pace may be deliberate, but it unapologetically conveys its themes."

The film's soundtrack has also been commended, with one social media user stating, "The music is well-integrated, and the performances are outstanding. Rashmika Mandanna has transformed from a mere star into a compelling performer. This film is a must-see."

Director's Acclaimed Writing

The screenplay by Rahul Ravindran has garnered praise for its depth. One viewer remarked, "Rahul Ravindran’s writing is impressive, and Rashmika Mandanna’s acting is at its peak, particularly in the film's final half-hour. The music complements the narrative beautifully, and I appreciate films like this."

A Climactic Moment

Interestingly, the climax has received the most praise. A fan commented, "The climax of 'The Girlfriend' is one of the most impactful moments I have experienced in cinema this year! Despite some pacing issues, the film successfully portrays a bold and heartfelt narrative. Congratulations to Rashmika Mandanna and Rahul Ravindran on their achievements." Another viewer labelled the film as vital, suggesting it resonates with real-life experiences, stating, "The film may confuse some, but that’s often the case with stories that challenge norms. Thank you, Rashmika Mandanna, for embodying Bhooma, as it will undoubtedly attract more viewers."

About the Film

'Veered Girlfriend' explores themes of love and complex relationships, set against a college backdrop. The cast includes Rashmika Mandanna, Deekshith Shetty, Anu Emmanuel, and Rao Ramesh.

Box Office Performance

On its opening day, 'The Girlfriend' collected ₹98 lakhs, marking the lowest earnings among Rashmika Mandanna's films released in 2025. Previous releases, such as 'Thamma', grossed ₹24 crores during the Diwali holiday. The limited promotional efforts for 'The Girlfriend' might have contributed to its subdued start at the box office. Industry experts suggest that positive word-of-mouth could bolster its future performance.

Rashmika Mandanna shared her emotional connection to her character on social media, stating, "When Rahul first narrated this script to me, I was moved to tears... Bhooma is incredibly special to me, reflecting my own experiences. I hope viewers connect with her as deeply as I have."

Overall, while 'The Girlfriend' has received a mix of reactions, it stands as a significant entry in Rashmika Mandanna's filmography, showcasing her growth as an actress and highlighting important themes of love and personal experiences.