Rashmika Mandanna’s latest film The Girlfriend has finally hit cinemas today (November 7, 2025), and it’s already got everyone talking. Directed by Rahul Ravindran, this Telugu romantic drama was one of the most-awaited releases of the season. However, the early reviews suggest that the film hasn’t quite lived up to the hype.
Produced by Geetha Arts, The Girlfriend has received a U/A certificate from the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC). The film aims to explore modern-day relationships, emotional manipulation, and the importance of self-worth — all through the eyes of its female lead, played by Rashmika Mandanna.
The Girlfriend Movie Review: Rashmika Mandanna Starrer Gets Largely Negative Response Online
As soon as The Girlfriend hit theatres, social media was flooded with audience reactions. While Rashmika’s performance has been widely appreciated, many moviegoers have criticised the film’s slow pacing and weak narration.
One viewer shared, “A sincere romantic drama with emotional depth and standout moments. Rashmika shines with her career-best performance, a heartfelt yet slow-paced story. Despite its uneven flow, the film’s honesty and climax make it worth a watch.”
Another review read, “#TheGirlFriend First Half Goes Nowhere! Narration is slower than a tortoise, lags most of the time. Few performances work out, but nothing stands out. A strong second half can only make this an average flick.”
A third user said, “A slow, uneven romantic drama that fails to engage. Despite Rashmika’s okay performance and a few good moments, the inconsistent narration and sluggish pace make it a dull watch. Honest intent, weak impact. Overall, a painful watch!”
While some viewers praised its emotional core, others said the film could’ve used tighter writing and stronger direction.
Check out some more reactions below
About The Film
The Girlfriend follows the journey of Bhooma Devi (played by Rashmika Mandanna), an aspiring author caught in a toxic relationship with her college boyfriend, Vikram (portrayed by Dheekshith Shetty). What starts as a romantic story soon turns into a tale of control, self-realisation and emotional struggle.
The story digs deep into the complexities of love, heartbreak and healing, showing how self-respect can sometimes come at a heavy emotional cost. The film’s second half reportedly packs more emotional weight, but many felt the climax lacked the punch to make a lasting impact.
The supporting cast includes Anu Emmanuel as Durga and veteran actor Rao Ramesh in a powerful cameo. Produced by Vidya Koppineedi and Dheeraj Mogilineni under Geetha Arts and Dheeraj Mogilineni Entertainment, the film promises to deliver an introspective take on love and relationships.
Despite its flaws, The Girlfriend offers Rashmika Mandanna in one of her most emotionally intense roles. Her performance has been hailed as sincere and heartfelt. However, the film’s uneven narration and slow pace seem to be turning off many viewers.
