If you're a fan of emotional dramas that blend romance with real-life struggles, "The Girlfriend" is a must-watch. Directed by Rahul Ravindran, this 2025 Telugu-language film stars Rashmika Mandanna in a powerful lead role. Released theatrically on November 7, 2025, it explores the complexities of young love, toxic dynamics, and personal growth. With a runtime of 138 minutes, the movie has earned praise for its relevant themes and strong performances, grossing around ₹29 crore at the box office. It's a story that resonates especially with the younger generation, highlighting how relationships can shape—or shatter—one's sense of self.
The Story
The plot centers on Bhooma Devi (played by Rashmika Mandanna), a sincere and ambitious postgraduate student who relocates to Hyderabad to pursue her MA in Literature. Innocent and full of dreams about life and romance, Bhooma's world changes when she meets Vikram "Vicky" (Dheekshith Shetty), a charismatic fellow student. Their connection starts as a sweet college romance, filled with moments of joy and discovery. However, as the relationship progresses, Vikram's charm gives way to possessiveness and control. What begins as affection morphs into emotional manipulation, straining Bhooma's friendships, family bonds, and her own confidence.
The narrative delves deep into Bhooma's internal conflict, showing her grappling with societal pressures, personal boundaries, and the harsh realities of toxic love. Supported by her close friend Durga (Anu Emmanuel), Bhooma embarks on a journey of self-realization. The film doesn't shy away from portraying how subtle dominance can erode one's independence, turning a seemingly perfect romance into a battle for emotional freedom. Themes of manipulation, revenge, and healing are woven in, making it more than just a love story—it's a mirror to many real-life experiences. The climax focuses on Bhooma's empowerment, emphasizing that true love should foster growth, not confinement.
Key Details Table
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Director | Rahul Ravindran (also writer) |
| Producers | Vidya Koppineedi, Dheeraj Mogilineni |
| Cast | Rashmika Mandanna as Bhooma Devi Dheekshith Shetty as Vikram "Vicky" Anu Emmanuel as Durga Rahul Ravindran as Prof. Sudheer Rao Ramesh as Bhooma's father Rohini Molleti as Vicky's mother |
| Music | Hesham Abdul Wahab (songs), Prashanth R. Vihari (score and additional songs) |
| Cinematography | Krishnan Vasant |
| Editing | Chota K. Prasad |
| Release Date | November 7, 2025 (theatrical) |
| Runtime | 138 minutes |
| Box Office | ₹29 crore |
| IMDb Rating | 6.6/10 |
This table captures the essentials of the film's team and stats, showcasing the collaborative effort behind its success.
OTT Streaming Options
For those who missed the theatrical run or want to revisit it, "The Girlfriend" is available for streaming on Netflix starting December 5, 2025. Netflix acquired the digital rights, making it accessible worldwide with subtitles in multiple languages, including English, Hindi, and Tamil. It's a great option for binge-watching at home, especially if you're into South Indian cinema. No other OTT platforms have announced streaming rights as of now, so Netflix is your go-to for high-quality viewing.
Review
"The Girlfriend" stands out as a brave and timely film in Telugu cinema, tackling toxic relationships without glorifying them. Rashmika Mandanna delivers what many call her career-best performance—her portrayal of Bhooma's transformation from naivety to strength is raw and relatable. She captures the subtle nuances of emotional abuse, making viewers root for her every step. Dheekshith Shetty is equally compelling as the controlling Vikram, shifting seamlessly from charming to menacing, while Anu Emmanuel adds warmth as the supportive friend Durga. The supporting cast, including Rao Ramesh and Rohini Molleti, brings depth to the family dynamics.
Rahul Ravindran's direction is spot-on, blending gripping storytelling with beautiful visuals shot in Hyderabad and Visakhapatnam. The music by Hesham Abdul Wahab elevates key emotional scenes, with tracks like "Seethakoka Chiluka" becoming instant hits. However, the film isn't without flaws—some critics note predictable elements and occasional slow pacing, which can feel repetitive in the second half. For instance, The Times of India praised its mirror to real-life control in relationships, giving it 3.5/5, while Deccan Chronicle critiqued the overstretched conflicts, rating it 2/5.
Overall, it's a resonant watch that prompts reflection on privilege, biases, and healthy love. If you're seeking a movie that combines heartbreak with healing, this one hits hard. Highly recommended for its message: relationships shouldn't be claustrophobic.
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