The Girlfriend Movie Review: Rashmika Mandanna’s Bold College Drama

Rashmika Mandanna returns to the big screen with The Girlfriend, alongside Dixit Shetty, Anu Emmanuel, Rao Ramesh, and Rahul Ravindran. The film, which hit theaters this Friday, has generated significant curiosity among fans eager to see whether it meets expectations.

After her blockbuster success with Chhawaa earlier this year, Rashmika faced a string of disappointments with Sikander, Kubera, and Thomas. With The Girlfriend finally making its way to audiences after a long production phase, the music and promotional material have already struck a chord, heightening anticipation. Let’s see if the film delivers on the buzz.

Storyline

Bhuma (Rashmika Mandanna), a single-parent daughter, moves from Vizag to Hyderabad to pursue her post-graduation. There, she meets Vikram (Dixit Shetty), a student from Bellary enrolled in the same college. Vikram’s care and concern slowly draw Bhuma towards him, and the two develop a romantic relationship that soon turns intimate. Most of the narrative unfolds within the college hostel environment.

As their relationship becomes public knowledge in the college, Durga (Anu Emmanuel) — who secretly harbors feelings for Vikram — befriends Bhuma and warns her that Vikram might not be the right person for her. What follows are Bhuma’s emotional struggles, her father’s reaction to her choices, and the consequences of her relationship. The film explores whether Bhuma chooses to stay with Vikram, end the relationship, or rebuild herself after heartbreak.

Analysis

The campus setting instantly brings to mind shades of Arjun Reddy. Vikram’s intense and moody personality resembles that of the titular character. The film shows him performing household chores for Bhuma and feeding her in the college canteen, while she accepts it unquestioningly. Bhuma’s portrayal, however, feels surprisingly inconsistent — a single-parent child is usually shown as emotionally strong and independent, but here she appears fragile and directionless without clear motivation for her distress.

The portrayal of Vikram’s mother also feels exaggerated. Although she seems dominated by her husband, it’s unclear why she continues to live in fear when her husband isn’t cruel. Interestingly, Bhuma finds guidance through the mother’s character, helping her realize what her future might look like.

Throughout the movie, Bhuma is portrayed as emotionally burdened and unsure of her actions. Instead of evoking sympathy, her character often irritates the viewer. The climax doesn’t leave much emotional impact, as the audience finds it hard to connect with her choices. The depiction of hostel life is unrealistic, likening it to a hotel environment, which has sparked criticism. Rao Ramesh’s dialogues, though sharp, are among the few redeeming moments.

The movie leaves viewers questioning the director’s intent — whether he wanted to highlight emotional confusion or critique modern relationships. Unfortunately, Bhuma’s character feels so disconnected from reality that it’s difficult to relate to her. That disconnect is perhaps the biggest shortcoming of The Girlfriend.

Performances and Technical Aspects

Rashmika Mandanna delivers an honest performance, portraying Bhuma’s confused state with conviction, but the role itself doesn’t live up to the hype. Allu Aravind’s earlier claim that she deserves a National Award for this role seems overstated. Dixit Shetty performs well, though his character’s moral ambiguity leaves audiences uncertain until the very end. Anu Emmanuel shines in her limited screen time. Rahul Ravindran also appears as a college professor, while veterans Rao Ramesh and Rohini could have been utilized more effectively.

Hesham Abdul Wahab’s music adds emotional depth, and Krishnan Vasanth’s cinematography enhances the mood. Director Rahul Ravindran, who made an impressive debut with Chi La Sow but stumbled with Manmadhudu 2, tries to return with a mature story but struggles to convey it powerfully. Some creative visuals — like Bhuma imagining the washroom walls closing in on her — stand out. Still, the narrative doesn’t pack enough punch to fully engage the audience.

Conclusion

The Girlfriend raises questions about love, identity, and self-worth but loses focus midway. Rashmika’s heartfelt attempt and the technical finesse are notable, yet the storytelling lacks emotional depth and clarity. Whether the youth connect with the film’s intended message remains to be seen.