Rashmika Mandanna’s latest romantic drama, The Girlfriend, has enjoyed a robust theatrical run since its release on November 7, 2025. Within just six days, the film has crossed a significant milestone, surpassing ₹10 crore in domestic net collections, with reports indicating a total of ₹10.10 crore by the end of day six. This strong showing has cemented Mandanna’s presence as not only a leading star but also a bankable draw at the box office.
The film’s daily earnings followed an encouraging trajectory:
- Day 1: ₹1.3 crore
- Day 2: ₹2.4 crore
- Day 3: ₹2.7 crore
- Day 4: ₹1.15 crore
- Day 5: ₹1.3 crore
- Day 6: ₹1.25 crore
Despite moderate dips during weekdays, occupancy remained steady, suggesting sustained audience interest and good word-of-mouth momentum. The Telugu market recorded an overall occupancy of 18.85% on day six, with evening and night shows drawing the most patrons.
Regional and Overseas Trends
While The Girlfriend received a wide release in Telugu, Hindi, and Tamil, the core target audience remains Telugu viewers. Hyderabad led with the highest number of shows, complemented by strong turnouts in Bengaluru, Vizag, and Vijayawada. Hyderabad alone accounted for 359 shows and a 22.75% occupancy rate.
Globally, the film grossed over ₹15 crore within five days and has started to inch toward the ₹20 crore milestone, aided by overseas collections, particularly in the US, where it crossed the half-million mark at the box office. The worldwide response gives hope for a continued robust run, especially as the weekend approaches.
Storyline and Critical Reception
Directed by Rahul Ravindran, The Girlfriend stars Rashmika Mandanna as Bhooma, an MA student embarking on a journey of love, self-discovery, and emotional unraveling in college. Her relationship with Vikram (played by Dheekshith Shetty) brings to light modern relationship dynamics, autonomy, and emotional health, steering clear of traditional romantic clichés.
Critics have praised Mandanna’s performance as both nuanced and impactful. Her portrayal of Bhooma draws the audience into her struggles, making the narrative relatable yet thought-provoking. The film has been labeled as a “feminist mass entertainer,” avoiding glorification of toxic masculinity and instead offering a raw and honest portrayal of relationship challenges. Supporting cast members like Rohini and Rao Ramesh have also been highlighted for their memorable contributions.
The film’s narrative has drawn comparisons to previous works such as Arya and Arjun Reddy but stands apart due to its confrontational and introspective stance on problematic relationships and female autonomy. While some reviewers note the story’s deliberate pacing and predictability, most agree that Rashmika’s powerful performance elevates the film significantly.
Audience Response and Outlook
With an IMDb rating of 8.6/10 and favorable social media reviews, audiences are largely appreciative of both the film’s thematic depth and Rashmika’s compelling portrayal. The strategic release across major cities and languages has expanded its reach, though the strongest resonance remains among Telugu filmgoers.
As it continues its theatrical journey, The Girlfriend faces the crucial test of sustaining its momentum into the second weekend. Buoyed by strong reviews, solid occupancy rates, and dedicated fan support, the film is well-positioned to approach the ₹20 crore mark and potentially become one of Rashmika Mandanna’s standout successes.
A Career-Best Triumph
The Girlfriend’s box office hold reflects a rare blend of commercial success and critical acclaim. At over ₹10 crore in six days and consistently pulling in audiences, the film has set new benchmarks for Rashmika Mandanna and contemporary Telugu cinema. Should current trends persist, The Girlfriend appears set not only to recover its investment but also to spark important conversations about modern relationships in Indian film.
The Girlfriend’s trajectory in its first week reaffirms Rashmika Mandanna’s rising star status, with her fearless performance and the film’s bold storytelling offering fresh perspectives on love and self-worth in today’s India.
By – Sonali