Rashmika Mandanna, who has been making waves in the South Indian film industry with her performances in films like Geetha Govindam, Dear Comrade, and Sarileru Neekevvaru, is all set to make her Bollywood debut with Mission Majnu opposite Sidharth Malhotra. However, before that, she had been seen sharing screen space with Ranbir Kapoor in the controversial action drama Animal, directed by Sandeep Reddy Vanga of Kabir Singh fame.

Animal, which is slated to release on December 16, 2023, is one of the most anticipated films of the year, as it marks the first collaboration between Ranbir and Sandeep, who are known for their intense and unconventional cinema. The film also stars Anil Kapoor, Tripti Dimri, and Bobby Deol in pivotal roles.

Recently, in an exclusive interview with Pinkvilla, Rashmika opened up about her experience of working with Ranbir in Animal and how she nailed the face-off scene with him, which was shown in the trailer and received a lot of praise from the audience and critics alike.

Rashmika said that she was nervous and excited to work with Ranbir, who is one of her favourite actors in Bollywood. She said that Ranbir is a very humble, down-to-earth, and supportive co-star, who made her feel comfortable on the sets. She also praised his acting skills and said that he is a natural and effortless performer, who can switch between emotions in a fraction of a second.

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She said, “Working with Ranbir was a dream come true for me. He is such a brilliant actor and a wonderful human being. He has this aura around him, which makes you want to learn from him. He is very generous and helpful as a co-star. He would give me tips and suggestions on how to improve my scenes. He would also compliment me when I did well. He is very easy-going and fun-loving. We had a great rapport and chemistry on and off the screen.”

Talking about the face-off scene with Ranbir, which is one of the highlights of the film, Rashmika said that it was the most challenging and rewarding scene of her career. She said that the scene was shot in one take, without any rehearsals or dialogues. She said that she had to rely on her instincts and emotions to react to Ranbir’s actions, which were unpredictable and spontaneous. She said that the scene was so intense and raw that she lost herself in it and forgot everything else.

She said, “The face-off scene with Ranbir was the most memorable and satisfying scene of my career. It was a very difficult scene to pull off, because it was not scripted or planned. It was just me and Ranbir in front of the camera, expressing our emotions through our eyes, body language, and voice. It was like a dance, where we had to match each other’s steps and rhythm. It was very exhausting and draining, but also very exhilarating and liberating. I think we both gave our best in that scene and I am glad that the audience appreciated it.”

Rashmika also revealed that after the scene was over, she hugged Ranbir and Sandeep and thanked them for giving her such an opportunity. She said that Sandeep was very impressed and proud of her performance and told her that she had nailed the scene. She said that she felt very happy and grateful to hear that from him, as he is a very talented and visionary director.

She said, “Sandeep sir is a genius. He has a very clear vision of what he wants from his actors and his film. He is very passionate and dedicated to his craft. He is also very supportive and encouraging of his actors. He gave me a lot of freedom and confidence to explore my character and express myself. He also pushed me to challenge myself and go beyond my comfort zone. He is a master of creating intense and impactful scenes, which stay with you for a long time. I am honoured and lucky to work with him.”

Rashmika also shared her excitement for the release of Animal and said that she is eagerly waiting for the audience to watch the film and give their feedback. She said that Animal is a very different and unique film, which will surprise and shock the audience. She said that the film has a lot of twists and turns, which will keep the audience on the edge of their seats. She also said that the film has a lot of action, drama, romance, and emotion, which will appeal to all kinds of viewers.

She said, “Animal is a very special film for me. It is my first big Bollywood film and I am very proud of it. It is a very different and unique film, which will make you feel a lot of things. It is a very gripping and thrilling film, which will keep you hooked till the end. It is also a very emotional and touching film, which will make you cry and smile. It is a film that you will not forget easily. I hope the audience will love the film and appreciate our hard work.”

Animal was scheduled to release on December 16, 2023, in theatres across the country. The film is expected to clash with Salman Khan’s Tiger 3, which was also releasing on the same date. However, Rashmika said that she is not worried about the box office competition and said that both the films are different and have their own audience. She said that she respects and admires Salman Khan and wishes him all the best for his film. She also said that she hopes that both the films will do well and entertain the audience.

She said, “I don’t think there is any competition or rivalry between Animal and Tiger 3. Both the films are different and have their own audience. Both the films are made with a lot of love and passion and have a lot to offer to the audience. I respect and admire Salman Khan sir and I am a fan of his films. I wish him all the best for his film. I also hope that both the films will do well and entertain the audience. I think there is enough space and love for both the films in the industry and the audience.”

Meanwhile, Rashmika is also busy with the shooting of Pushpa 2, the sequel to the blockbuster film Pushpa, which starred Allu Arjun in the lead role. The film is directed by Sukumar and is slated to release on August 15, 2024. Rashmika said that she is having a great time working with Allu Arjun and Sukumar and said that Pushpa 2 is going to be bigger and better than the first part. She said that the film has a lot of action, drama, and romance, which will thrill the audience. She also said that the film has a strong message, which will inspire the audience.

She said, “Pushpa 2 is another film that I am very excited about. It is the sequel to Pushpa, which was a huge hit and received a lot of love from the audience. It is a very challenging and rewarding film, which has a lot of action, drama, and romance. It is also a very meaningful and inspiring film, which has a strong message. I am having a great time working with Allu Arjun sir and Sukumar sir, who are very talented and amazing people. They are very supportive and encouraging of me and have taught me a lot. Pushpa 2 is going to be bigger and better than the first part and I can’t wait for the audience to watch it.”