The film garnered positive reception from critics and audiences alike, who praised Mandanna’s performance, the plot, the music, and Ravindran’s direction but became a commercial failure, grossing ₹29 crore at the box office.[2]
Plot
The story revolves around Bhooma Devi (Rashmika Mandanna), a young and sincere postgraduate student who moves to Hyderabad to pursue her MA in Literature. She is initially innocent, studious, and filled with aspirations about life and love. At her college, Bhooma meets Vikram (Dheekshith Shetty), a charming and confident young man. They gradually form a connection that blossoms into a romantic relationship. What begins as a typical college love story soon starts to reveal deeper emotional layers.
However, as Vikram’s behaviour becomes more possessive and controlling, Bhooma starts to struggle with the reality of their relationship. What seemed like affection slowly turns into a toxic dynamic, affecting her emotional well-being, friendships, and family ties.
The narrative explores this shift from innocent romance to emotional turmoil, exposing how subtle manipulation and emotional dominance can erode one’s confidence. Through this journey, Bhooma undergoes self-realisation and growth - grappling with societal expectations, personal boundaries, and the true meaning of love and independence.
The Girlfriend was released theatrically on 7 November 2025.
Home media
The film has been streaming on Netflix since 5 December 2025.
Reception
B. H. Harsh of Cinema Express rated the film 4/5 stars and wrote, "Rashmika Mandanna delivers a knock-out performance in a film that is gripping, consistent in its craft and relevant in its themes".[4] Divya Shree of The Times of India gave the film 3.5/5 stars and wrote, "This film mirrors the realities of many young women by exposing affection disguised as control with parents and romantic partners and unveiling raw human emotions."[5]
Swaroop Kodur of The Indian Express gave the film 3.5/5 stars and wrote, "Certain choices of the writer-director are tidy and formulaic, but they nevertheless support a story that pivots from the ordinary, and is resonant in many different ways. Watch this for Rashmika Mandanna’s heartfelt performance, if nothing else."[6] Pranati A. S. of Deccan Herald gave it 3/5 stars and wrote, "The movie, in many ways is like ‘Arjun Reddy’, but misogyny is not glorified here, instead the director depicts it as a serious mental illness. About 15 minutes into the film, you become aware of the director’s intent. That does make the movie predictable."[7]
Sandeep Athreya of Sakshi Post gave it 3/5 stars and wrote, "Despite a few logical flaws and familiar storytelling, its strong performances, visuals, and message make it a worthwhile watch — especially for audiences who enjoy intense relationship dramas."[8] Kusumika Das of Times Now gave it 3/5 stars and wrote, "Rahul Ravindran’s direction, coupled with Rashmika’s career-best performance, makes this film both moving and meaningful. It’s a story that doesn’t just show heartbreak - it shows healing."[9]
Sangeetha Devi Dundoo of The Hindu wrote, "The Girlfriend is an important, brave film that asks uncomfortable questions and tells both girls and boys that relationships should not be claustrophobic."[1] Balakrishna Ganeshan of The News Minute wrote, "If you are looking for a movie that might comfort you, The Girlfriend is definitely not it. It makes men question their privilege, their biases, their attitude towards women, their conditioning."[10] Sruthi Ganapathy Raman of The Hollywood Reporter India wrote, "The Girlfriend, led skilfully by Mandanna and Shetty, might be about toxic relationships and revolve around a conventional heteronormative couple with an alpha-beta equation, but it always makes sure to keep its characters accountable."[11]
B. V. S. Prakash of Deccan Chronicle gave it 2/5 stars and wrote, "The film tries to deliver a thoughtful message—that toxicity is not always loud or violent; sometimes it lies in emotional dominance, lack of understanding, and the need to control. Unfortunately, the good intention gets lost in slow pacing, overstretched conflicts, and repetitive emotional loops."[12] Suhas Sistu of The Hans India gave it 2/5 stars and wrote, "Its metaphoric visual storytelling and Rashmika’s magnetic performance are its strengths. However, the stretched narrative and exaggerated contrasts between the leads make parts of the film feel unrealistic."[13]
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