THE GIRLFRIEN

The Girlfriend is a 2025 Indian Telugu-language romantic drama written and directed by Rahul Ravindran, and it features Rashmika Mandanna, Dheekshith Shetty| and Anu Emmanuel in important roles.

- By Yashmitha Sritheran

The film was released in theatres on 7 November 2025 and later streamed on Netflix from 5 December 2025. Set in Hyderabad, the movie moves away from the usual colourful campus romance style| and instead focuses on the emotional struggles, vulnerabilities and personal growth of a young woman who is trying to understand love and herself.

The film follows the life of Bhooma Devi, played by Rashmika Mandanna, who is an MA student with a simple and quiet personality. Her life changes when she meets Vikram, known as Vicky, played by Dheekshith Shetty, and they begin a romantic relationship. At first, their story appears to be a normal college romance, but as the film progresses, it becomes clear that their relationship is far more complex. Bhooma starts off as an innocent girl who finds it difficult to defend herself, even after facing frightening experiences. Over time, she becomes aware of how easily affection can turn into control, and how love, when mixed with insecurity and anger, can slowly change a person's Life.

As the relationship deepens, the cracks begin to show. Vikram starts as a charming young man, but slowly his behaviour becomes possessive, controlling and emotionally aggressive. His reactions turn into rage when Bhooma begins to question his actions or tries to set boundaries. The film carefully shows how emotional manipulation begins gradually with small signs that often go unnoticed.