Romantic dramas often tread a fine line between emotion and indulgence, and Rahul Ravindran’s The Girlfriend (2025) comfortably settles somewhere in between — heartfelt, honest, but occasionally meandering. What keeps it afloat is a raw, emotionally layered performance from Rashmika Mandanna, who shines in what many are calling her most authentic role to date.
Set against the nostalgic charm of college life, the film explores the tangled emotions of love, friendship, and self-worth in a modern world driven by social media validation. Rashmika’s portrayal of a vulnerable, self-questioning young woman feels refreshingly grounded. She’s unguarded, occasionally messy, and deeply real — a rarity in today’s glossy romance narratives.
🎭 Performances & Direction
Rashmika is the heart and soul of The Girlfriend. Her emotional honesty elevates even the slow portions, particularly in the second half, which leans heavily on introspection. Dheekshith Shetty complements her well, bringing a quiet maturity that contrasts Rashmika’s energy. Their chemistry feels organic, particularly in the film’s first half and during the well-crafted interval block that draws applause from audiences.
Director Rahul Ravindran, known for his sensitivity and emotional nuance, brings authenticity to today’s dating dynamics. The screenplay reflects confusion and comfort — how love often becomes a mirror for self-discovery. However, the pacing occasionally falters, especially in the middle act, which could test some viewers’ patience. Still, Ravindran’s storytelling stays sincere throughout, never losing sight of its emotional core.
🎶 Music & Technicals
The soundtrack — a standout feature according to fans — carries strong college nostalgia. Each song, from tender acoustic tracks to bittersweet ballads, enhances the story’s emotional layers. Cinematographer Vidhu Ayyanna bathes the film in warm tones, perfectly complementing the film’s mood of introspective romance.
💬 Audience & Critical Reception
Early IMDb ratings hover around 7.2/10, with viewers praising its emotional depth and relatable college setting. Critics describe it as a “sincere but not strong” outing — a film that connects through feeling rather than formula. Gulte lauded the direction and music, calling it “a good watch for the heart, if not for the pace.”
On social media, fans echo the sentiment. On X, one user wrote: “Routine story, but Rashmika’s emotion and songs make it worth watching.” Reddit threads highlight the film’s honesty and the absence of typical commercial tropes, calling it “slow but soulful.”
🎤 From the Cast
At the film’s pre-release event, Rashmika Mandanna described the project as deeply personal:
“This is me unfiltered — love’s chaos in college. I wanted to show the vulnerable side of loving and losing.”
Co-star Dheekshith Shetty shared similar sentiments during an Instagram Q&A:
“It’s about compatibility, not perfection. Rashmika brought real emotion to every take.”
Director Rahul Ravindran, in a behind-the-scenes interview, added:
“Today’s youth doesn’t need fantasy — they need a mirror. That’s what The Girlfriend tries to be.”
⭐ Verdict
Rating: ★★★☆☆ (3/5)
The Girlfriend may not break new ground, but it strikes emotional chords with sincerity and soul. Rashmika Mandanna’s heartfelt performance and Rahul Ravindran’s grounded storytelling make it a warm, introspective watch — imperfect, but deeply human.
