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Rashmika Mandanna has rapidly ascended the ranks to become one of the most celebrated and sought-after actresses in the Indian film industry. Born on April 5, 1996, in Virajpet, Karnataka, Rashmika’s journey to stardom is nothing short of inspirational. She began her career as a model, capturing the title of Clean & Clear Fresh Face of India in 2014, which paved the way for her entry into the cinematic world.
Must-Watch Rashmika Mandanna Movies
1: Animal
“Animal” revolves around the intense and violent journey of Rannvijay Singh, a man deeply involved in his family’s tumultuous life. The story begins with Rannvijay’s strained relationship with his father, Balbir Singh, a powerful business tycoon. This tension sets the stage for a dramatic conflict when Balbir is targeted by a rival, Abrar Haque. Determined to protect his family, Rannvijay takes it upon himself to confront Abrar, leading to a series of brutal confrontations. The film delves into themes of familial loyalty, vengeance, and the destructive nature of power.
2: Pushpa: The Rise – Part 1
“Pushpa: The Rise – Part 1” follows the story of Pushpa Raj, a coolie in the Seshachalam forests of South India, who rises through the ranks of the red sandalwood smuggling syndicate. Red sandalwood is a valuable wood found only in these forests, and Pushpa becomes involved in its illegal trade. Starting at the bottom, Pushpa uses his intelligence and courage to gain power and respect within the syndicate. He clashes with Mangalam Srinu, the current manager of the syndicate, over unfair profit distributions. Pushpa decides to bypass Srinu and sell the red sandalwood directly to buyers in Chennai, securing a better deal for himself and his partners. This move brings him into conflict with Srinu, leading to violence and power shifts within the smuggling network.
As Pushpa consolidates his power, he faces new challenges from law enforcement. Bhanwar Singh Shekhawat, a new and arrogant police officer, humiliates Pushpa by trying to assert his dominance over him. Pushpa, however, cleverly turns the tables, stripping Shekhawat of his dignity and demonstrating that his own respect and power come from within, not from any external symbols like a uniform. This act sets the stage for future confrontations, with Shekhawat vowing revenge. Meanwhile, Pushpa marries Srivalli, a woman he deeply cares for, and declares that his reign over the syndicate has just begun.
3: Sita Ramam
In 1964, Lieutenant Ram, an Indian Army officer stationed at the Kashmir border, receives a series of anonymous love letters from a woman named Sita Mahalakshmi. Intrigued by her letters, Ram sets out to find Sita, and their paths cross, leading to a blossoming romance. Sita, however, is not who she claims to be; she is actually Princess Noorjahan, who uses the pseudonym to hide her identity due to familial and political complications. As their love deepens, Ram proposes to Sita, but she is unable to reveal her true identity, leading to a series of misunderstandings and missed encounters.
Their love story takes a dramatic turn when Ram is assigned a secret mission by the Indian Army. Despite successfully completing the mission, Ram is captured by the Pakistani Army while trying to rescue a young girl named Waheeda. During his captivity, Ram learns of Sita’s true identity through a newspaper clipping and writes a final love letter to her before his execution. Years later, Sita receives this letter and learns of Ram’s undying love and the sacrifices he made. With this letter, she clears Ram’s name, proving his innocence and devotion, while Afreen, the girl Ram saved, transforms her perspective on life and humanity.
4: Varisu
Vijay Rajendran, the youngest son of a wealthy business tycoon Rajendran Palanisamy, lives a carefree life away from the family business. His life takes a turn when his father is diagnosed with terminal cancer and wishes to unite his fractured family before his death. Vijay returns home, only to discover the intense rivalry and betrayal among his two elder brothers, Jai and Ajay, who are fighting for control of the family business. With his father’s health deteriorating, Vijay steps in to manage the business and mend the family’s broken bonds.
Amidst this turmoil, Vijay faces numerous challenges, including thwarting the malicious plans of Jayaprakash, a rival businessman. As Vijay navigates these obstacles, he brings the family together, realizing the importance of unity and love. Alongside his romantic interest, Divya, Vijay successfully revitalizes the family business, proving himself as a worthy heir and earning the respect of his family. The film culminates in a poignant message about family values and the significance of standing together during tough times.
5: Dear Comrade
“Dear Comrade” is a powerful story of Bobby, a student union leader with anger management issues, and Lilly, a state-level cricketer. Their love story faces numerous challenges, including Bobby’s volatile nature and Lilly’s career aspirations. The movie delves deep into the themes of personal growth, love, and mental health. The narrative showcases their tumultuous relationship, Bobby’s fight against his inner demons, and Lilly’s struggle to overcome societal pressures.
6: Chalo
“Chalo,” a romantic action-comedy film released in 2018, marked a significant milestone in Rashmika Mandanna’s career, further establishing her as a prominent actress in the Telugu film industry. Directed by Venky Kudumula, the film features Rashmika in the pivotal role of L. Karthika, a character that blends elements of charm, wit, and resilience.
The storyline centers on Hari (played by Naga Shaurya), a young man with a peculiar fascination for fights. To channel his combative nature, his father enrolls him in a college located in a village that is divided between Telugu and Tamil communities. Amidst the high-spirited campus environment and underlying tensions, Hari meets L. Karthika, whose presence introduces an element of romance and intrigue.
7: Sarileru Neekevvaru
“Sarileru Neekevvaru,” released in 2020, is a Telugu-language action-comedy film that features Rashmika Mandanna alongside superstar Mahesh Babu. Directed by Anil Ravipudi, the movie encapsulates a perfect blend of action, drama, and humor, making it a delightful watch for audiences of all age groups.
Rashmika Mandanna plays the character Samskruthi, a spirited young woman who adds a touch of vivacity to the narrative. Samskruthi is portrayed as a bubbly and endearing character who crosses paths with Major Ajay Krishna, played by Mahesh Babu.
8: Yajamana
“Yajamana” is a story about Krishna, a humble and hardworking man who stands up against a powerful oil mafia that threatens his village’s livelihood. Rashmika Mandanna plays Kaveri, Krishna’s love interest and a supportive partner in his fight against corruption. The film portrays Krishna’s struggle to protect his community’s traditional oil business from being taken over by corporate giants.
The narrative is filled with powerful dialogues, action sequences, and emotional moments. Kaveri’s character adds a romantic angle and emotional support to Krishna’s mission. The climax features Krishna’s victory over the corrupt businessmen, ensuring the survival of his village’s heritage. “Yajamana” is a compelling tale of resilience, community spirit, and justice.
9: Kirik Party
Rashmika Mandanna’s debut film, Kirik Party, marked a significant milestone in her acting career. Released in 2016, this Kannada-language film quickly became a blockbuster, capturing the hearts of audiences and critics alike. Directed by Rishab Shetty, Kirik Party revolves around the lives of a group of engineering students and their journey through college life. Rashmika plays the role of Saanvi Joseph, a final-year student who becomes the love interest of the protagonist, Karna.
10: Bheeshma
“Bheeshma,” released in 2020, is a romantic comedy that showcases Rashmika Mandanna in the role of Chaitra. The film, directed by Venky Kudumula, features a delightful blend of humor, romance, and social messages, making it a notable entry in Rashmika’s filmography. The plot centers around Bheeshma, played by Nithiin, who is an unemployed young man with a knack for getting into trouble. His life takes a turn when he crosses paths with Chaitra, a spirited and intelligent woman working for an organic farming company.
11: Sultan (2021)
“Sultan,” a Tamil action drama, features Rashmika as Rukmini, opposite Karthi. Her role as a village belle was appreciated, and the film’s engaging storyline made it a hit among audiences.
12: Geetha Govindam (2018)
‘Geetha Govindam’ is a Telugu romantic comedy that significantly propelled Rashmika Mandanna into the limelight. The film, directed by Parasuram, tells the story of a young lecturer named Vijay Govind (played by Vijay Deverakonda), who falls in love with Geetha (played by Rashmika Mandanna) at first sight. However, a series of misunderstandings and comedic situations ensue, making their journey towards love both challenging and entertaining.
13: Pogaru (2021)
“Pogaru” is a Kannada action drama film released in 2021, directed by Nanda Kishore. Rashmika Mandanna plays the female lead role in this high-octane movie. The film revolves around the life of Shiva, portrayed by Dhruva Sarja, who grows up with a deep-seated grudge against society due to the harsh circumstances of his childhood. His character is complex, a blend of rebellious and compassionate traits that drive the narrative forward.
Rashmika Mandanna’s character, Geetha, is pivotal to the storyline. Geetha is depicted as a strong and independent woman who stands up for her beliefs, often finding herself at odds with Shiva’s tumultuous behavior. Her role adds a layer of emotional depth to the film, creating a balance to the intense action sequences. Rashmika’s performance was praised for its authenticity and her ability to convey a range of emotions, from resilience to vulnerability.
