“The Girlfriend” Review: This Rashmika Mandanna starrer provies a Powerful Look at Controlling Relationships and Societal Patriarchy
Our Review: The Girlfriend
The Girlfriend is a story that revolves around a controlling relationship and sheds light on inherent patriarchy among many characters in society.
Rashmika Mandanna excels in the portrayal of Bhooma, who’s this quiet and calm girl garnered with innocence, and how layer by layer she becomes introspective and transforms to tackle the society. On the other hand, Dheekshith Shetty plays a guy who’s controlling in a relationship with an ego, and you’ll absolutely hate his character because the guy has portrayed it just so well. The rest of the supporting cast does good. Although, most of the background artists felt caricaturish and not so real. The music of the film flows well with the storyline but nothing that stays in your mind after you leave the theatre.
Talking about the writing and direction, Rahul Ravindran has perfectly captured many nuances in today’s relationships and conveyed them beautifully through visuals and silences. The pre-interval and interval sequence are creatively well shot and edited to make you feel the suffocating nature of the relationship. The film is a slow burn, goes gradual, and makes you feel it all in a subtle way rather than in an on-the-face dramatic way.
The Girlfriend: Cast, Crew & Everything You Need To Know
Starring: Rashmika Mandanna, Dheekshith Shetty, Rao Ramesh, Anu Emmanuel, Rohini
Director & Writer: Rahul Ravindran
Language: Telugu
Genre: Drama/Social Commentary
Synopsis: The film delves into the complexities of a controlling romantic relationship and critically examines underlying patriarchal attitudes prevalent in society.
Should You Watch It?
The Girlfriend is one of the very good Telugu films to release this year and sheds light on things that carry value. Definitely recommended for a theatrical watch.
CineRanker Verdict
⭐ 3.75 / 5
