A rising Telugu drama just earned a bold nod from Janhvi Kapoor- she calls it a ‘mandatory watch’. What happens when love becomes a trap, and why is everyone talking about this film so urgently?
The Girlfriend released on Netflix
Mumbai: Bollywood actress Janhvi Kapoor has publicly praised “The Girlfriend,” describing the film as a “mandatory watch” shortly after it began streaming on Netflix.
She shared a still from the film featuring lead actor Rashmika Mandanna in a powerful scene on her Instagram Story, adding the caption: #TheGirlfriend Mandatory watch” with a clapping emoji and a heartfelt reaction.
The endorsement sparked renewed interest in the film, especially among fans and cinema‑goers who had missed it in theatres. The film impressed many for its raw portrayal of relationships and strong lead performance, giving it a second life on OTT.
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“The Girlfriend,” directed and written by Rahul Ravindran, was released theatrically on November 7, 2025, in multiple languages including Telugu and Hindi.
On December 5, Netflix dropped the film, making it available globally in Telugu, Hindi, Tamil, Kannada, and Malayalam.
The digital release has allowed a much wider audience to discover or re‑visit the film’s intense drama and social themes from the comfort of their homes.
The film centres on Bhooma, played by Rashmika Mandanna a postgraduate literature student who enters a seemingly fairy‑tale relationship with Vikram (played by Dheekshith Shetty). As their relationship progresses, Vikram’s possessiveness and emotionally manipulative behavior surface, transforming love into control. The movie follows Bhooma’s journey from love and hope to self‑realisation and liberation.
Critics and audiences have lauded Rashmika’s performance and the film’s bold depiction of toxic relationships viewing it as a refreshing change from stereotypical romance dramas.
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Since the OTT release, the film’s cast and makers have been actively engaging with audiences. Rashmika Mandanna, for example, thanked fans for the support and urged those who missed it in theatres to watch it now that it’s on Netflix.
With renewed buzz, “The Girlfriend” may enjoy extended reach and recognition beyond its box‑office run especially among younger viewers and those who prefer streaming.
