'‎The Girlfriend' Review: Rashmika Mandanna and Dheekshith Shetty Explore Complex Young Love

By: Shawn
‎The moment Bhooma (Rashmika Mandanna) and Vikram (Dheekshith Shetty) lock eyes in a bustling college hallway, something unspoken shifts between them. She, a quiet literature student, carries the weight of childhood neglect; he, a confident engineering jock, moves through life with a self-assured hero complex. Rahul Ravindran’s The Girlfriend takes audiences on a journey through these contrasting worlds, where tender moments of young love—shared lunches, late-night movie marathons—reveal hidden cracks in their hearts. Every glance, every argument, every act of care becomes a window into the complexities of relationships shaped by emotional baggage, making this Telugu film an introspective exploration of love, accountability, and personal growth.
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‎The Girlfriend is a Telugu relationship drama starring Rashmika Mandanna and Dheekshith Shetty, exploring emotional baggage, toxic love, and personal growth.
‎The Girlfriend 
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‎Their romance unfolds through quiet, intimate moments, yet tension simmers beneath the surface. Bhooma’s childhood experiences, where she bore the emotional responsibility for her father, shape her patterns of care and compliance in adulthood. Vikram’s upbringing instills in him a protective, sometimes overbearing, approach to those he loves. These layers make the film more than a college romance—it becomes a nuanced study of human behavior and personal choices.
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‎Supporting characters add depth to the narrative. Anu Emmanuel’s Durga challenges the conventional “college diva” stereotype, forming a genuine friendship with Bhooma that feels authentic and layered. Rohini’s portrayal of Vikram’s mother serves as both a reflection and a warning, exposing family influences that ripple into the young couple’s decisions. Scenes like Bhooma’s encounter with Vikram’s mother in front of a mirror become visual metaphors, emphasizing the convergence of past and present in their lives.
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‎Rahul Ravindran’s direction keeps the story organic, avoiding virtue signaling or forcing women to justify their choices. The screenplay highlights accountability and self-awareness, showing that the end of a relationship does not require moral explanation—it simply reflects the reality of personal growth and compatibility.
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‎The Girlfriend balances tender romance with emotional honesty, drawing audiences into its layered exploration of young love, trauma, and the ways past experiences shape present relationships. Rashmika Mandanna and Dheekshith Shetty deliver performances that bring depth and realism, making this Telugu film a thought-provoking journey into the heart of modern relationships.

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