“The Girlfriend Will Surprise Audiences with Its High-Voltage Drama”: Director Rahul Ravindran
National crush Rashmika Mandanna and talented actor Dheekshith Shetty come together for The Girlfriend, a film that promises to be an intense and emotional romantic drama. Presented by veteran producer Allu Aravind, the movie is jointly produced by Geetha Arts and Dheeraj Mogilineni Entertainment. Directed by Rahul Ravindran, the film is set for a grand worldwide theatrical release on November 7, in Telugu, Hindi, Tamil, Malayalam, and Kannada.
In a candid conversation, director Rahul Ravindran spoke about the inspiration behind the story, Rashmika’s involvement, and what makes The Girlfriend a unique cinematic experience.
The Inspiration Behind The Girlfriend
“I wrote the story based on a real incident I witnessed during my college days,” Rahul begins. “There was also a song I heard around that time which stayed with me and eventually inspired the film. During my free time, I had developed a few scripts, and when the team at Aha approached me for a project, I sent them this story.
Interestingly, I was initially supposed to do another film with Rashmika and Geetha Arts. But when Allu Aravind Garu read The Girlfriend, he immediately saw its cinematic potential and suggested we make it for theatres instead of OTT. That’s how Rashmika and I decided to take this up together.”
Rashmika’s Immediate Connection to the Story
“When I sent the script to Rashmika, she said she’d read it and get back to me. Within two days, she called and said, ‘Let’s do this film immediately. This is a story that deserves to be told. As a woman, I connected deeply with it. This movie is my big hug to all the girls out there.’
I usually share my scripts with friends like Samantha, Vennela Kishore, Adivi Sesh, and director Sujeeth for feedback. When I shared The Girlfriend with them, Samantha even suggested that the story would work better with another heroine — and she was right.”
A Story That Challenges Expectations
Rahul reveals that the team deliberately created a sense of mystery through the promotional material. “We intentionally misdirected the audience with the teaser and trailer. The real story — and its emotional depth — unfolds only in theatres.
The second half carries the same high-voltage drama seen in the trailer, but in a far more surprising and powerful way. It’s not a film that preaches or offers moral lessons; it’s a realistic portrayal of a couple’s journey. I want viewers to interpret it in their own way. What I feel is right today may not be the same in five years — and that’s the beauty of human emotion.”
Rashmika’s Realistic Portrayal After Animal
“When Animal released and became a blockbuster, I was a bit nervous,” Rahul admits. “I wondered if audiences would accept Rashmika in a grounded, realistic role right after such a larger-than-life performance. But Rashmika immediately understood my concern and told me, ‘Please present me exactly as this story demands. My character should look authentic.’
We often use the term ‘women-centric film’, but The Girlfriend doesn’t rely on that label. Both the hero and heroine have equal importance, though the story unfolds from the heroine’s perspective.”
Casting Dheekshith Shetty and Others
“For the role of Vikram, I wanted an actor who’d instantly connect with the audience — someone who’d seem like that guy every girl in college would have a crush on,” says Rahul. “During the Dasara promotions, I came across Dheekshith Shetty and felt he was perfect for the part.
There’s also a lecturer’s role in the film. I initially wanted director Sandeep Reddy Vanga to play it, but he declined, saying audiences would laugh seeing him on screen. So, I ended up playing that role myself!” he laughs. “Anu Emmanuel too was a perfect fit for her part.”
Music and Emotional Depth
“Hesham Abdul Wahab has composed soul-stirring music that elevates the film’s emotions. Working with him was a wonderful experience,” Rahul shares. “My stories are usually drawn from things I’ve seen, read, or personally experienced. I don’t consciously try to create a ‘signature style’, but perhaps people can sense my sensitivity toward human emotions in my films.”
What’s Next for Rahul Ravindran
“I’ve already finalized my next two directorial projects and will announce them soon. After those, Rashmika and I are planning to collaborate again — she loved the story idea I pitched, and I’ll begin developing it soon,” he reveals.
From Actor to Director — Finding His True Calling
“When I was waiting for a break as an assistant director, I unexpectedly got a chance to act as a hero. I took it to build connections, but my real passion has always been writing and direction,” Rahul explains.
“Even now, I get acting offers, but being a hero demands a full year of dedication. I prefer taking up shorter roles — maybe 20 days of shoot — if I can learn from the director. My friend Sujeeth offered me a role in OG, and I did it. If Hanu Raghavapudi ever asks me to act in his film, I’ll happily do it — especially since he’s now working with Prabhas Garu. And if he ever offers me a lead role, I’ll say yes without hesitation.”
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