Janhvi Kapoor Calls Rashmika Mandanna’ ‘The Girlfriend’ a Mandatory Netflix Watch

New Delhi, December 08, 2025: Taking to her Instagram stories, Janhvi Kapoor shared a powerful image from the movie featuring Rashmika Mandanna, along with a brief but impactful review: “#TheGirlfriend. Mandatory Watch.“ This enthusiastic stamp of approval from a peer has given a fresh boost to the film’s popularity just as it finds a new audience on the Over-The-Top (OTT) platform.

A Story That Hits Home

Directed by Rahul Ravindran, The Girlfriend stars Rashmika Mandanna as Bhooma, a postgraduate student whose seemingly perfect college romance with her boyfriend, played by Dheekshith Shetty, gradually turns manipulative and emotionally draining. The narrative focuses squarely on Bhooma’s perspective as she struggles with compatibility issues, emotional abuse, and the difficult path to self-discovery and empowerment.

Since its theatrical release on November 7, 2025, and especially following its Netflix premiere on December 5, 2025, the movie has been lauded by many for its sensitive portrayal of a common but rarely-discussed reality: toxic relationships. Reviewers and audiences alike have praised Rashmika Mandanna for delivering what many are calling a career-defining performance as the vulnerable yet resilient Bhooma. The film’s ability to tackle such a crucial and contemporary theme seems to be the primary reason for the widespread positive attention, including Janhvi’s strong recommendation.

The Director’s Delight and Audience Reaction

The public praise from Janhvi Kapoor was quickly noticed by the film’s director, Rahul Ravindran, who expressed his gratitude on social media, calling her gesture “Really kind.” This celebrity endorsement helps to bridge the gap between regional cinema and Bollywood, highlighting quality content irrespective of the language.

The film is streaming on Netflix in multiple languages—Telugu, Hindi, Tamil, Kannada, and Malayalam—making it accessible to a pan-Indian audience. This wider release is allowing the poignant subject matter to reach more viewers and spark important conversations about mental health and relationship boundaries.

The Girlfriend initially enjoyed a decent box office run but is now experiencing a new wave of appreciation on Netflix, proving that compelling, emotionally resonant storytelling can find success beyond the traditional theatrical window. Janhvi Kapoor’s high praise solidifies the movie’s status as a relevant and must-see piece of modern Indian cinema.