The Girlfriend (2025): Rashmika Mandanna Shines in a Bold Take on Modern Relationships

Storyline

Directed and written by Rahul Ravindran, The Girlfriend centres around Bhooma (played by Rashmika Mandanna), a young postgraduate student of English literature, who enters college life with dreams and expectations. The Times of India+2Wikipedia+2
She meets Vikram (Dheekshith Shetty), an engineering student, and their relationship begins as a fairly typical campus romance. But gradually, the mood shifts: what started as affection and bonding becomes controlling behaviour, emotional manipulation and the question of personal autonomy. www.greatandhra.com+1
Bhooma finds herself torn between the expectations of her father (Rao Ramesh, as her single parent) and the suffocating grip of her boyfriend’s possessiveness. The film explores how the label of “girlfriend” can sometimes become a trap, examining boundaries, control and self-realisation. Deccan Herald
Visually and narratively, the film uses impending metaphors (for example a “mirror scene” where Bhooma sees her future self) and gradual transformation: from innocence and apprehension, to assertiveness and resolution. www.greatandhra.com

Direction & Technical Aspects

Rahul Ravindran takes a more serious tone than a straight campus romance, leaning into drama, psychological layers and gender dynamics. Critics note that while the film begins like a familiar love-story, it flips to something more unsettling and relevant. The Indian Express+1
Technically, the cinematography, editing and music have been praised in parts. For example the cinematography in the mirror scene is singled out for its creativity. www.greatandhra.com However critics also point out a slower pace and inconsistent writing as drawbacks. www.greatandhra.com+1
In summary: the direction is commendable for its intent and thematic maturity, but the execution shows signs of familiar tropes and pacing issues.

Actors & Performances

Rashmika Mandanna as Bhooma delivers what many critics call a career-best performance. She captures the subtle fear, confusion, anger and eventual clarity of the character with conviction. The Times of India+1
Dheekshith Shetty as Vikram plays the charming-turned-controlling boyfriend. His transformation and the grey shades of his character add weight to the narrative. The Times of India
Rao Ramesh, as Bhooma’s father, adds emotional complexity—his sacrifices, expectations and the father-daughter dynamic deepen the story’s stakes. The Indian Express
Anu Emmanuel, in a supporting role (Durga), provides the friendship angle and alternative dynamic for Bhooma, but some reviews feel her character is under-written. www.greatandhra.com

Final Thoughts

The Girlfriend is not just a campus romance—it serves up a commentary on modern relationships, gender roles and self-liberation. With a strong central performance by Rashmika Mandanna and a direction that tries to push beyond the safe zone, it manages to strike a chord. However, those looking for pure entertainment may find the slower pace and some narrative flaws a barrier.
If you’re in the mood for a film that blends emotion with social introspection, this one’s worth your time. For viewers who prefer crisp storytelling and high-octane drama, the familiar tropes may dampen the impact.