Actress Rashmika Mandanna, often known as the “National Crush” of India, has once again proved her box office appeal with her latest release, The Girlfriend. Directed by Rahul Ravindran, the emotional drama has been performing steadily since its release and has now crossed the ₹8 crore mark in just five days.
The film, which hit theatres last week, has received praise for its heartfelt story, realistic portrayal of love, and Rashmika’s powerful performance that connects strongly with audiences, especially the youth.
A Steady Start at the Box Office
Despite facing competition from multiple releases and the ongoing festive season, The Girlfriend opened to decent numbers. On its first day, the film earned around ₹1.5 crore, which was considered a fair start for a mid-budget romantic drama.
Over the weekend, positive word of mouth and strong social media buzz helped the film grow gradually. The collections picked up on Saturday and Sunday, with family audiences and Rashmika’s fans turning up in large numbers.
By the end of Day 5, the film’s total collection had reached around ₹8 crore, signaling a steady and healthy box office trend. Trade experts believe that if the film continues this pace, it may touch ₹15 crore by the end of its second week.
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Rashmika’s Performance Wins Hearts
One of the biggest talking points of The Girlfriend is Rashmika Mandanna’s performance. Known for her charming screen presence and expressive acting, Rashmika plays a character with emotional depth — a woman dealing with love, heartbreak, and self-discovery.
Critics and fans alike have praised her ability to portray complex emotions with subtlety. Many called it one of her most mature performances to date, showing a different side of the actress beyond her usual energetic roles.
Social media has been flooded with appreciation posts. A fan wrote on X (formerly Twitter), “Rashmika just proved again why she’s one of the best actresses of this generation. #TheGirlfriend is beautiful and emotional.”
Rahul Ravindran’s Direction Strikes an Emotional Chord
Director Rahul Ravindran, who previously directed Chi La Sow, is being appreciated for his sensitive storytelling. The Girlfriend focuses on human relationships, love, and personal growth — themes that resonate deeply with today’s audience.
Rahul’s direction has been described as “gentle yet impactful,” allowing the characters and emotions to unfold naturally. The film’s screenplay keeps a good balance between romance and realism, avoiding unnecessary melodrama.
Several reviews highlighted that The Girlfriend feels authentic and relatable, making it stand out among recent romantic films.
Music and Cinematography Add Magic
The music of The Girlfriend, composed by Hesham Abdul Wahab (known for Hridayam), has played a huge role in the film’s appeal. The soulful tracks and emotional background score perfectly complement the story’s tone.
Cinematographer Krishna Kumar has captured the emotions and visual mood beautifully, giving the film a soothing and polished look. Many scenes, especially the romantic portions, have been praised for their aesthetic simplicity.
Audience Reaction
The audience response has been overwhelmingly positive, particularly among Rashmika’s fan base and younger viewers. Multiplex audiences in cities like Hyderabad, Bengaluru, and Chennai have responded warmly to the film.
Many viewers shared emotional reactions on social media after watching the film. Some mentioned that The Girlfriend reminded them of their own personal experiences of love and loss.
One moviegoer posted, “This movie is not just about romance — it’s about self-worth and healing. Rashmika’s performance touched my heart.”
Such word-of-mouth support has helped the movie sustain its collections through weekdays, a sign of strong audience connection.
Critical Response
Critics have generally given The Girlfriend positive reviews. Most have praised Rashmika’s strong performance, Rahul Ravindran’s storytelling, and the film’s emotional honesty.
Here’s a quick look at what reviewers said:
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Times of India wrote: “Rashmika Mandanna delivers one of her finest performances. Rahul Ravindran crafts a soulful film that speaks about love and individuality.”
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123Telugu noted: “A refreshing emotional drama that stays with you long after the credits roll. Rashmika shines in a role that feels tailor-made for her.”
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Pinkvilla commented: “The Girlfriend balances romance, pain, and empowerment beautifully. It’s not your typical love story — it’s much deeper.”
Box Office Analysis
Trade analysts have noted that The Girlfriend is performing better than expected given its limited promotions. Rashmika’s name itself helped draw audiences to theatres.
The film’s collections have been consistent in urban centres and Tier-2 cities, while rural areas have shown slower growth. However, the film’s modest budget means it’s already close to covering its production cost.
If the current pace continues, The Girlfriend could be declared a commercial success by the end of its second week.
Industry tracker Ramesh Bala tweeted, “#TheGirlfriend holds strong at the box office. Good word-of-mouth and Rashmika’s charm continue to drive the collections.”
Rashmika’s Strong Year Continues
2025 seems to be a strong year for Rashmika Mandanna. After her success with Animal and Pushpa: The Rise, she has shown versatility by choosing The Girlfriend, a film focused on emotions and character depth rather than spectacle.
She’s also set to appear in Pushpa: The Rule, one of the most anticipated films of 2025. With The Girlfriend doing well, Rashmika has once again proved she can carry a film on her shoulders and connect deeply with audiences across languages.
Future of ‘The Girlfriend’
With positive reviews and steady box office numbers, the film’s long-term performance will depend on weekday audiences and streaming platform deals. Reports suggest that OTT platforms are already showing interest in acquiring the digital rights, which could add to the film’s total revenue.
If the film maintains its current momentum, it could become one of the surprise hits of the season.
Conclusion
The Girlfriend is not just another romantic drama — it’s a film that blends emotional storytelling with sincere performances. Rashmika Mandanna’s nuanced acting, Rahul Ravindran’s heartfelt direction, and the film’s relatable message about love and self-worth have made it a favourite among viewers.
Crossing ₹8 crore in five days may not sound record-breaking, but for a mid-scale emotional film, it reflects strong audience support and word-of-mouth success.
As the film continues its theatrical run, it’s clear that The Girlfriend has touched hearts — proving that in a world of flashy blockbusters, emotional honesty still wins.
