The Girlfriend (2025) Movie ft. Dheekshith, Rashmika, and Rao

Rashmika Mandanna steps into challenging territory with her latest Telugu outing. This romantic drama, helmed by Rahul Ravindran, moves away from typical love stories. The film pairs Rashmika with Dheekshith Shetty, supported by Anu Emmanuel, Rao Ramesh, and Rohini. Hitting screens on November 7, 2025, through Geetha Arts, it tackles the darker side of romantic relationships.

Bhooma Devi lives a sheltered life focused on books and writing ambitions. Her world shifts when she enters Hyderabad’s college scene. Vikram, a fellow student, barges into her carefully constructed world. After a sudden kiss, he publicly labels her as his girlfriend. What follows isn’t sweet romance but a slow descent into control and manipulation.

The Narrative Arc

Our protagonist arrives in the city with simple goals: finish her MA in English and maybe write someday. Her father raised her alone after her mother died giving birth. Books became her refuge. Romance never crossed her mind until circumstances forced it.

Vikram doesn’t wait for permission or proper courtship. He takes what he wants and expects acceptance. As weeks pass, his behavior reveals troubling patterns. He monitors her schedule, makes choices without asking, and slowly boxes her into a smaller existence. The film draws connections between his actions and childhood experiences with his mother, though this doesn’t excuse his behavior.

Strong Points

This film earns respect for confronting uncomfortable truths. Ravindran refuses to romanticize controlling behavior, which mainstream cinema often does. Several sequences capture the psychology of manipulation effectively. The mirror confrontation particularly stands out for visual storytelling.

Rashmika’s performance anchors everything. She makes you believe in Bhooma’s journey without resorting to theatrical gestures. The technical crew supports this well. Camera work by Krishnan Vasant shifts between campus energy and claustrophobic tension as needed. Music from Hesham Abdul Wahab and background scoring by Prashanth R Vihari enhance without overwhelming.

Female characters receive thoughtful treatment here. They act as individuals with agency rather than props. Even minor roles carry weight. This represents progress in how Telugu films can portray women.

Reception Overview

Critics offered qualified praise. Most publications awarded ratings between 2.5 and 3.5 stars. Reviewers consistently highlighted Rashmika’s work while noting structural problems. Analysis praised the film’s intentions while questioning execution choices.

Your mileage depends on priorities. Message-focused viewers will find value. Entertainment seekers might struggle with pace. Personal experience with relationship dynamics likely colors reception.

Rating: 3/5