Rashmika Mandanna has sparked a heated debate online after saying she would accept someone like Ranbir Kapoor’s controversial character from the 2023 film Animal in real life. The actress, who played Ranbir’s on-screen wife Geetanjali in the movie, made the statement during a recent interview, leading to strong reactions from fans and critics alike.
Rashmika’s Controversial Statement About Ranbir’s Animal Character
In a conversation with Mojo Story, Rashmika was asked if she would accept someone like Ranvijay Balbir Singh, Ranbir Kapoor’s character in Animal, in real life. The character was known for his violent behavior and infidelity, which caused major debates when the film released. Rashmika responded by saying love can change people.
“I truly believe that if you love someone and someone loves you, the changes will happen.”
When the host and audience disagreed, saying people rarely change, Rashmika explained further.
“I said that statement because, for example, when you grow up with your partner or someone from a younger age, you’re still forming a personality. You still are figuring out what you like and what you don’t like. And when you grow up together, like suddenly when you remember your best friend or your partner being a certain way back then, maybe a decade earlier, suddenly they become the person they are today.”
This comment quickly went viral, with many criticizing her for defending a character widely seen as problematic.
Social Media Reacts Strongly To Rashmika’s Comments
Fans and critics took to platforms like Reddit and X (formerly Twitter) to share their thoughts. Many called her out for her statement, with some using harsh words.
“This woman should not open her mouth. It’s clear her head is empty. The more she talks and acts the more I dislike her. Now I get why people from her home state despise her.”
Another user compared her to other actresses who have been called out for similar statements.
“Rashmika pretends to be an intellect. But she’s the real definition of a bimbo. She’s got nothing in her head. Just pukes whatever she knows. Alia was trolled so much for being dumb, but how does Rashmika get a pass? Each time she opens her mouth, it’s always dumbness. She has no knowledge on anything.”
Some even brought up her rumored boyfriend, actor Vijay Deverakonda, in their comments.
“She and her bf should keep her mouth shut tbh for our sanity. Even Animal Retarded Fandom can’t defend this.”
Others found her statement embarrassing.
“It’s embarrassing to see a grown woman say this. Also, she & her bf VJD should really stop having media interactions which are unscripted because whenever they open their mouth, both of them end up sounding extremely stoooopid.”
Rashmika’s Previous Defense Of Animal And Her Character
This is not the first time Rashmika has spoken about Animal. Earlier, she defended the film’s director, Sandeep Reddy Vanga, against criticism that the movie glorified toxic masculinity. She had said that films should be seen as entertainment and not taken too seriously.
She also praised her character Geetanjali, calling her strong and loyal.
“In a world filled with all the violence, hurt, and unbearable pain, Geetanjali will bring peace, trust, and calm. She will pray to her God for the safety of her husband and her child. She was the rock that faced all the storms.”
Despite the backlash, Rashmika has always stood by her work in Animal, which was a massive box office success.
How Fans Previously Reacted To Her Views On Men
Earlier in June 2024, Rashmika had responded to a fan edit from Animal where her character suffers after trusting her husband, who cheats on her. The fan had written, “Remember nothing is scarier than trusting a man.” Rashmika replied by saying not all men are the same.
“Correction: trusting a stupid man = scary.. there are a lot of good men also out there.. trusting those men = special.”
This response was well-received by many, with some thanking her for acknowledging good men.
Despite the controversy, Rashmika continues to be one of the busiest actresses in Indian cinema. She will next be seen in Pushpa 2: The Rule, one of the most awaited films of 2025. She also has projects like The Girlfriend, D-51, and Chaava in the pipeline.
Also Read: Tiger Shroff’s Baaghi 4 Poster Sparks Comparisons with Ranbir Kapoor’s Animal
Her recent film Sikandar, opposite Salman Khan, is set to release next Eid. However, her comments about the film being a “timepass masala movie” had also disappointed some fans earlier.
