In a year brimming with high-stakes action blockbusters and historical epics, The Girlfriend emerges as a quiet yet powerful disruptor in Telugu cinema. Released on November 7, 2025, this romantic drama – written and directed by Rahul Ravindran – stars Rashmika Mandanna in her first solo lead role, alongside Dheekshith Shetty and Anu Emmanuel. Produced by Geetha Arts and Dheeraj Mogilineni Entertainment, the film has swiftly become a conversation starter, praised for its unflinching exploration of toxic relationships, emotional control, and women’s empowerment. With a theatrical run in Telugu, Hindi, Tamil, Kannada, and Malayalam, it’s resonating across India’s diverse audiences, blending heartfelt storytelling with timely social commentary.
For young viewers in bustling cities like Hyderabad and Mumbai, or college-goers in smaller towns, The Girlfriend isn’t just a movie – it’s a mirror reflecting the subtle red flags in modern relationships. As one critic noted, it’s “an important, brave film that asks uncomfortable questions and tells both girls and boys that relationships should not be claustrophobic.” Here’s a closer look at why this film is marking a fresh chapter in Indian cinema’s evolving narrative on love and autonomy.
The Story: A Relatable Dive into Love’s Hidden Shadows
At its core, The Girlfriend follows Bhooma (Rashmika Mandanna), a young woman navigating the highs and lows of college life, romance, and self-discovery. What begins as a seemingly idyllic relationship with her boyfriend (Dheekshith Shetty) unravels to reveal layers of possessiveness, emotional manipulation, and societal pressures. Anu Emmanuel shines as Bhooma’s supportive friend, highlighting the vital role of female solidarity in times of crisis.
Directed by Rahul Ravindran – known for his nuanced take on relationships in Chi La Sow (2018) – the film avoids melodrama, opting instead for a slow-burn approach that builds tension through everyday moments. Principal photography kicked off in early 2025 across Hyderabad, Visakhapatnam, and other picturesque locations, capturing the vibrancy of youth against a backdrop of introspection. The narrative culminates in a poignant climax that empowers Bhooma to reclaim her agency, earning cheers for its raw authenticity.
Presented by Allu Aravind, the film’s multilingual release ensures it reaches pan-Indian hearts, making complex themes like compatibility and personal growth accessible and engaging. As audiences on platforms like Reddit and X share, “After watching the climax, I felt like Bhooma did what I always wished I had the courage to do.”
Behind the Scenes: Crafting a ‘Woman Written by a Man’ Masterpiece
Rahul Ravindran’s vision stems from a desire to dissect the “nice guy” trope – that subtle entitlement often masked as affection. In interviews, he emphasized creating characters that feel real, drawing from observations of young couples in urban India. The script’s strength lies in its balance: holding both partners accountable while foregrounding Bhooma’s emotional journey.
Rashmika Mandanna, fresh off roles in Chhaava and Sikandar, delivers what critics call a “knock-out performance” – vulnerable yet fierce, marking her 25th film milestone. Dheekshith Shetty, in his lead debut, brings nuance to the male lead, avoiding one-dimensional villainy. Anu Emmanuel and supporting cast like Rohini add depth, with the ensemble earning praise for its chemistry.
The trailer’s October 25, 2025, drop – featuring Hesham Abdul Wahab’s evocative score – built massive anticipation, amassing millions of views and sparking discussions on love’s insecurities. Fans on X hailed it as “women written by Rahul Ravindran,” a nod to his empathetic portrayal of female leads.
Critical Acclaim: A Resonant Wake-Up Call
Reception has been largely positive, with an 8.3/10 on IMDb reflecting audience love for its relevance. B. H. Harsh of Cinema Express awarded 4/5 stars, lauding its “gripping, consistent craft and relevant themes.” Divya Shree from The Times of India gave 3.5/5, noting it “mirrors the realities of many young women by exposing affection disguised as control.”
Sangeetha Devi Dundoo of The Hindu called it “an honest attempt to showcase how a woman emerges from a toxic relationship,” while Balakrishna Ganeshan of The News Minute appreciated its challenge to male privilege. Swaroop Kodur from The Indian Express echoed, “Watch this for Rashmika Mandanna’s heartfelt performance.” On Rotten Tomatoes, it’s hailed as a “slow-burn drama that cuts close to the bone.”
Not all feedback was unanimous; B. V. S. Prakash of Deccan Chronicle cited “slow pacing” in a 2/5 review, though he acknowledged its thoughtful message on emotional dominance. Reddit threads buzz with debates on the songs’ placement and second-half pacing, yet many agree: “It makes men question their biases.”
Box Office Buzz and OTT Future: A Sleeper Hit in the Making
Despite a modest Day 1 net collection of ₹1.30 crore – Rashmika’s lowest opening of 2025 – word-of-mouth has propelled it forward. By Day 6, it crossed ₹10.10 crore domestically, with steady weekday holds at 18-20% occupancy in Telugu circuits. Weekend surges could push it past ₹20 crore, positioning it as a profitable venture for its makers.
Streaming rights have been acquired by Netflix for ₹14 crore, with a premiere slated for December 11, 2025 – ensuring wider reach for non-theatrical audiences. On X, fans declare it “the best Telugu film of 2025,” with Rashmika trending as the week’s top heroine.
Why It Matters: A Timeless Lesson for India’s Youth
The Girlfriend arrives at a pivotal moment, countering films that romanticize toxicity (like Arjun Reddy) with a narrative that prioritizes consent and self-worth. For Indian women – from college freshmen to working professionals – it’s a validation of their “primal cry” against control, wrapped in a story that’s as entertaining as it is enlightening. Men, too, find value in its call for introspection, fostering healthier dialogues on love.
Rashmika’s 2025 lineup – including Chhaava, Sikandar, Kubera, and Thamma – cements her as a versatile force, but The Girlfriend stands out for its intimacy. As one viewer shared, “2025 belongs to you,” capturing the film’s empowering ripple.