Director Rahul Ravindran has addressed comparisons between his upcoming Telugu film The Girlfriend and the 2017 cult hit Arjun Reddy in a recent conversation with NDTV. The movie stars Rashmika Mandanna as Bhooma and Deekshith Shetty as her boyfriend Vikram, and is scheduled for release on November 7. Following the trailer launch, social media users noticed similarities in visual style and character presentation to Vijay Deverakonda's Arjun Reddy, particularly in Rashmika's character styling. However, Ravindran clarified that his film bears no actual resemblance to the earlier blockbuster. The director also praised Rashmika's acting abilities, calling her a director's blessing who works without insecurities. Currently, Rashmika is enjoying success from her film Thamma and has multiple projects in her pipeline. Meanwhile, engagement rumours continue to circulate about Rashmika and Vijay Deverakonda, though neither has confirmed anything officially.
Director Clarifies Arjun Reddy Comparisons
Rahul Ravindran firmly dismissed comparisons between The Girlfriend and Arjun Reddy after the trailer sparked debate on social media. He explained that while the trailer editing may suggest a similar atmosphere, the two films share no actual resemblance. The director acknowledged Arjun Reddy as a cult classic and game-changer in cinema, calling it a much bigger film. Ravindran revealed that he conceived The Girlfriend's story even before Arjun Reddy released, and only noticed the supposed similarities after social media users pointed them out. He also clarified that Rashmika's character Bhooma cannot be considered an opposite version of Deverakonda's Arjun Reddy character. The director expressed deep admiration for working with Rashmika, praising her raw expressions and calling her an actress without insecurities.
Source: Link