The Girlfriend (2025) Movie Review, Box Office & OTT Release

The Girlfriend is a 2025 Indian Telugu-language romantic drama written and directed by Rahul Ravindran, released theatrically on 7 November 2025.

Starring Rashmika Mandanna as Bhooma Devi and Dheekshith Shetty as her romantic partner, the film examines the emotional complexities of modern relationships — from innocent affection to toxic attachment and self-empowerment. While not a massive box office hit, it drew strong attention for its thematic depth and Rashmika’s impactful performance.

Released amid big 2025 films like Border 2 and Dhurandhar, The Girlfriend stands out as a character-driven tale that blends romance with psychological realism, resonating particularly with younger audiences navigating real-world relationship issues.

Story:

The Girlfriend follows Bhooma Devi (Rashmika Mandanna), a young and ambitious literature student at college. She meets Vikram “Vicky” (Dheekshith Shetty) — a charismatic senior — and their relationship begins as typical college romance. As their bond deepens, subtle possessiveness and controlling behaviour surface, turning affection into emotional toxicity. Bhooma must confront the reality of the relationship, reflect on her own identity, and find strength beyond the confines of love and societal expectations.

The film’s narrative shifts from sweetness to intensity, spotlighting emotional manipulation and how it affects confidence, friendships, and personal growth.

Box Office Collection:

The Girlfriend had a moderate theatrical run:
Collections in India stayed below expectations, with total gross around ₹28–29 crore worldwide.
It faced tough competition from higher-profile releases and didn’t capture mass audience numbers despite positive word of mouth.
Overseas, the film surpassed the half-million-dollar mark in North America — a notable overseas milestone.

OTT Streaming Info:

After its theatrical window, The Girlfriend began streaming on Netflix from 5 December 2025. It is available in multiple dubbed languages — Telugu (original), Hindi, Tamil, Kannada, and Malayalam — expanding its reach across Indian and global audiences.The OTT release has sparked renewed discussion about the film’s themes, especially among young viewers and social audiences online.

Review:

The Girlfriend delivers a thought-provoking take on modern romance and emotional boundaries:

🎬 Strengths:

Rashmika Mandanna’s performance is widely praised for depth and resonance, often called one of her career highlights.
The film’s portrayal of subtle emotional control and manipulative behaviour feels relatable and grounded for many viewers.
The narrative drives discussions around toxic masculinity, emotional autonomy and relationship expectations, acting as an eye-opener for some.

⚠️ Critiques:

Some viewers find the relationship dynamics uncomfortable or intense, with pacing and narrative choices not fully satisfying for all tastes.
A few discussions note that character motivations and script depth could have been stronger for a more impactful conclusion.

Audience reactions remain mixed to positive: while many praise its authenticity and emotional truths, others feel the film doesn’t always balance its message with satisfying storytelling.

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