Rashmika Mandanna, often hailed as the “National Crush,” has rapidly ascended the ranks of Indian cinema with her compelling performances across multiple film industries. Her journey from a debutante to a sought-after actress is marked by a diverse filmography that showcases her versatility and dedication to the craft.
Early Life and Entry into Cinema
Born on April 5, 1996, in Virajpet, Karnataka, Rashmika pursued a degree in Psychology, Journalism, and English Literature. Her foray into the entertainment industry began with modeling, leading to her winning the Clean & Clear Times Fresh Face of India title in 2014. This accolade opened doors to the film industry, setting the stage for her cinematic journey.
Debut and Breakthrough in Kannada Cinema
Rashmika made her acting debut with the Kannada film “Kirik Party” in 2016, portraying Saanvi Joseph, a spirited college student. The film was both a critical and commercial success, running for an impressive 150 days in theaters and grossing over ₹50 crore against a modest budget of ₹4 crore.
Her performance garnered her the SIIMA Award for Best Debut Actress, cementing her place in the industry.
Transition to Telugu Cinema
In 2018, Rashmika ventured into Telugu cinema with “Chalo,” a romantic comedy set against the backdrop of a village divided by language. Her portrayal of L. Karthika received positive reviews, with critics praising her comic timing and screen presence. The film’s success paved the way for more prominent roles in the Telugu industry.
The same year, she starred in “Geetha Govindam” alongside Vijay Deverakonda. The film became a massive hit, grossing over ₹1 billion at the box office. Rashmika’s role as Geetha garnered critical acclaim, earning her the Filmfare Critics Award for Best Actress (Telugu).
Continued Success and Pan-India Recognition
Rashmika’s career trajectory continued upward with notable performances in films like “Dear Comrade” (2019), where she played a cricketer facing personal and professional challenges. Despite mixed reviews, her performance was lauded for its depth and authenticity.
In 2021, she starred in “Pushpa: The Rise” opposite Allu Arjun, portraying Srivalli, a character integral to the red sandalwood smuggling narrative. The film received mixed reviews but was a commercial success, becoming the highest-grossing Indian film of 2021 and ranking among the highest-grossing Telugu films of all time.
Rashmika’s performance earned her nominations for Best Actress (Telugu) at both SIIMA and Filmfare.
Foray into Hindi Cinema
Rashmika expanded her horizons by entering Bollywood with “Goodbye” (2022), sharing the screen with legendary actor Amitabh Bachchan. She portrayed Tara Bhalla, a young woman grappling with familial bonds and personal aspirations. Her performance was well-received, earning her the Zee Cine Award for Best Female Debut.
In 2023, she appeared in “Mission Majnu,” a spy thriller set in the 1970s. Despite the film’s lackluster performance, Rashmika’s portrayal of Nasreen garnered attention for its sincerity.
Recent Projects and Future Endeavors
Rashmika’s recent work includes “Varisu” (2023), a Tamil-language action drama where she starred opposite Vijay. The film emerged as a moderate commercial success, further solidifying her position in the Tamil film industry.
She also starred in “Animal” (2023), opposite Ranbir Kapoor, portraying Geetanjali, a devoted housewife. The film’s content led to discussions about its portrayal of toxic masculinity, with Rashmika defending her role against criticism. “Animal” ranks as the third highest-grossing Indian film of 2023.
Looking ahead, Rashmika is set to reprise her role as Srivalli in “Pushpa 2: The Rule,” one of the most anticipated sequels in recent times. The film is expected to further elevate her pan-India appeal and showcase her versatility as an actress.
Rashmika Mandanna Hit and Flop Movies List
Throughout her career, Rashmika has experienced a mix of hits and flops, reflecting the unpredictable nature of the film industry. Here’s a concise overview:
Hits:
- “Kirik Party” (2016): A Kannada romantic comedy that marked her debut and achieved significant commercial success.
- “Geetha Govindam” (2018): A Telugu romantic comedy that became a massive hit, grossing over ₹1 billion.
- “Sarileru Neekevvaru” (2020): An action-comedy film that was one of the top-grossing Telugu films of the year.
- “Pushpa: The Rise” (2021): A Telugu action drama that became the highest-grossing Indian film of 2021.
Flops:
- “Devadas” (2018): Despite high expectations, the film underperformed at the box office.
- “Dear Comrade” (2019): While critically acclaimed, it failed to make a significant impact commercially.
- “Aadavallu Meeku Johaarlu” (2022): The film received mixed reviews and incurred losses, grossing a distributor’s share of ₹7.72 crore against higher expectations.