6 Hit Films Of Rashmika Mandanna That Made Her A National Crush

Rashmika

Mandanna’s rise in Indian cinema has been meteoric, earning her the title of 'National Crush.' She debuted in Kannada cinema with Kirik Party (2016) and soon gained nationwide fame with hits like Geetha Govindam (2018) and Pushpa: The Rise (2021). Her appeal lies in her natural acting, expressive charm, and versatility across Telugu, Kannada, Hindi, and Tamil films. From light-hearted romantic comedies like Chalo and Bheeshma to intense films like The Girlfriend, Rashmika has consistently won over audiences.

Chalo (2018)

Rashmika Mandanna starred alongside Naga Shaurya in the Telugu romantic comedy Chalo. Set in Tiruppuram, a village on the Andhra-Tamil Nadu border, the film explores the hostility between Tamil and Telugu residents. Shaurya’s character, Hari, sent to the village for conflict resolution, falls in love with Karthika (Mandanna). Rashmika’s charm and comic timing charmed film buffs.

Kirik Party (2016)

Rashmika’s debut in Kannada cinema, Kirik Party, traced Karna’s transformation from a mischievous freshman to a mature adult. Her portrayal of Saanvi, the love interest of Rakshit Shetty’s character, combined innocence and strength, creating a memorable on-screen couple. The film’s success marked the start of her journey to becoming favourite among young audience.

Geetha Govindam (2018)

In Geetha Govindam, Rashmika paired with Vijay Deverakonda in a story full of misunderstandings and romance. She played Geetha, who mistakenly believes Vijay’s character to be a pervert after an accidental kiss. Rashmika’s expressive performance balanced humor and vulnerability, helping the film become a blockbuster and further cementing her status as a sought-after actress.

Bheeshma (2020)

Rashmika starred as Chaitra, a professional in organic farming, opposite Nithiin in Bheeshma. The film blended romance, comedy, and a corporate social message. Rashmika’s performance added pergect addition to the story while portraying a modern, independent woman who inspires the protagonist to grow personally and professionally.

Pushpa: The Rise (2021) & Pushpa: The Rule (2023)

Rashmika’s portrayal of Srivalli in the Pushpa series showcased her ability to provide emotional depth to a rugged, action-heavy narrative. As Pushpa Raj’s love interest, she became the emotional anchor, balancing the intensity of crime and smuggling drama with tenderness and grace. Her chemistry with Allu Arjun contributed to the film’s massive success across India.

The Girlfriend (2025)

In The Girlfriend, Rashmika played Bhooma, a postgraduate student going through a toxic romantic relationship. The film explored emotional abuse, manipulation, and patriarchal control, allowing Rashmika to show her versatility in portraying complex experiences. Her nuanced performance was praised for its realism and relatability, showing her growth as an actor.Rashmika will soon be seen in Cocktail 2 which also co-stars Shahid Kapoor and Kriti Sanon. She is also working on Ranabaali co-starring her husband Vijay Deverakonda.