Rashmika Mandanna’s latest release The Girlfriend may have opened to divided reviews, but the numbers tell a different story altogether. The emotional drama, directed by Rahul Ravindran, has turned out to be a solid box office winner, grossing ₹28.2 crore worldwide so far. At a time when several female-led films struggled to take off, Rashmika has once again proved her star power and audience pull.
Released on November 7, The Girlfriend received mixed reactions on Day 1, with some viewers pointing out its slow pace and repetitive moments. But positive word-of-mouth, coupled with Rashmika’s powerful performance, pushed the film upward through the weekend. Fans flooded social media praising the actress for delivering what many are calling the best performance of her career.
The film follows Bhumi, a woman trapped in a toxic relationship, fighting to reclaim her identity and self-worth. The rawness of the subject struck a chord with many young women, which Rashmika acknowledged during the success celebrations. The actress grew emotional as she addressed the audience’s overwhelming response, saying the film’s win belongs to the entire team.
“When I first heard the story, my first question was: When do we start shooting? Bhumi felt real—she’s hurting, she’s fighting, but she’s still standing strong,” Rashmika said, with tears in her eyes. “Seeing girls relate to her makes everything worth it.”
Director Rahul Ravindran has been praised for taking on a sensitive theme with honesty and courage. Dheekshith Shetty, who plays Rashmika’s partner in the film, is also being applauded for his intense performance, adding depth to the narrative.
With a strong emotional core, relatable storytelling, and Rashmika Mandanna’s commanding screen presence, The Girlfriend has managed to rise above early criticism and establish itself as a commercial success.
The film continues its run in cinemas, strengthened by fan support and positive word-of-mouth—another reminder that Rashmika remains one of the most bankable female stars in the industry today.