The Girlfriend, directed by Rahul Ravindran, stars Rashmika Mandanna and Dheekshith Shetty. Ahead of the movie's release in theatres on November 7, the director talks about the convictions that drove him to make the film. Presented by Allu Aravind under Geetha Arts, the film also features Rao Ramesh.
The story formed in my mind about 12 years ago. It was in 2020 that I wrote a screenplay. Some things don't change, for example, the tenets of a relationship.
The female protagonist, Bhooma, is introverted in the movie. She doesn't know how to assert herself. So, the actor playing her should be someone who can emote through her eyes. And Rashmika has got transparent eyes. Even if a scene doesn't have dialogues, the actor should be able to tell the audience what is going on in her mind.
Love is not complicated. People are. Circumstances are. Love is the most natural thing in the world. The Girlfriend is about people who are not right for each other. It's about incompatibility. When I first wrote this story, I don't remember there being discussions around toxic relationships. Today's generation has a strong individuality, they are no longer willing to accept whatever you throw at them.
As a filmmaker, I have not yearned to be known for a signature style as such. However, the audience might deduct a few themes/values and sensibilities in my films.
After Animal became a blockbuster hit, I wondered if Rashmika would fit a story like this because its beats are not larger-than-life. She asked me to present her the way I had always wanted and not change anything. When she read the script first, she was so impressed that she wanted to do it. The Girlfriend, as per her, is her big hug to all the girls out there.
The intense, high-voltage drama glimpsed in the trailer carries right through the film's second half, culminating in a surprise for the audience.
This film is my interpretation of a couple's life journey—a realistic take on an emotionally intense love story. There are no moral messages or lessons here.
I did send the script to my friends like Samantha, Vennela Kishore, Adivi Sesh and Sujeeth (OG director). There is no truth to the rumour that Samantha was under initial consideration for The Girlfriend. She herself asked me to rope in someone else.
I zeroed in on Dheekshith Shetty because I closely watched his promotions for Dasara (Nani-starrer). He plays Vikram, a guy whom girls like in the college.
I didn't want to play the role of a lecturer. I initially offered it to Sandeep Reddy Vanga, who told me the audience would laugh if they saw him. I then offered the role to Vennela Kishore, who declined it saying it's a serious part and he would not fit into it. Eventually, I donned the role myself.
While I enjoy acting, direction and writing are my first love. I did films like Andala Rakshasi when I was pursuing my filmmaking dreams; the idea was to network with people. A lead role asks for a year-long commitment, which would hinder my filmmaking pursuits. Which is why I stopped playing lead roles after making my first film as a director. I played a small role in OG because it didn't demand more than 20 days from me. I am ready to do roles in big-ticket movies.
I will be collaborating with Rashmika once again after doing the two films I am committed to direct following the release of The Girlfriend.
