With three blockbuster Hindi releases in a single year, Rashmika Mandanna has shattered industry norms, proving she’s not just India’s “National Crush” but also one of its most bankable and versatile stars
Our Bureau
Mumbai / Bengaluru
In the ever-evolving world of Indian cinema, few stories have been as compelling—or as meteoric—as Rashmika Mandanna’s in 2025. Once known primarily for her charm and effervescent screen presence, the actor has now transformed into a formidable performer and box-office magnet. With Chhaava, Sikandar, and Thamma—three back-to-back Hindi releases that each opened among the year’s top five biggest films—Rashmika has achieved what even the most seasoned stars rarely manage: consistency, versatility, and mass appeal across genres.
It’s been a year of milestones for the 29-year-old star, who has steadily expanded her presence from southern cinema into Bollywood’s mainstream. In 2025 alone, Rashmika has been part of Chhaava (Rs 31 crore opening), Sikandar (Rs 26 crore), and Thamma (Rs 24 crore)—three of the top five Hindi film openers of the year, alongside War 2 and Housefull 5. Her success has not only reshaped her career trajectory but also redefined what it means to be a truly pan-Indian star.
From period drama to action thriller to horror comedy, Rashmika’s performances this year have underscored her adaptability. She’s seamlessly moved between characters—portraying historical figures, emotionally grounded heroines, and even quirky comic leads—with an assurance that belies her years in the industry.
Released on Valentine’s Day, Chhaava was Rashmika’s first major Bollywood release of 2025—and arguably her most ambitious project yet. Directed by Laxman Utekar and produced by Dinesh Vijan’s Maddock Films, the Maratha-era historical epic starred Vicky Kaushal as Sambhaji, the valiant son of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. Rashmika’s performance, though understated, brought emotional balance to a film brimming with power and patriotism.
The film opened to Rs 31 crore and went on to collect a staggering Rs 807.91 crore worldwide, making it the highest-grossing Hindi film of the year and the eighth-highest of all time. Critics praised her for grounding the grand narrative with subtlety and sincerity—qualities that helped her transcend the “commercial heroine” label.
Barely a month after Chhaava, Rashmika returned with Sikandar, an Eid release directed by A.R. Murugadoss and headlined by Salman Khan. A gritty action-drama with themes of redemption and sacrifice, the film demanded emotional nuance—a challenge Rashmika met head-on. Playing the role of an empathetic anchor to Khan’s brooding protagonist, she delivered a performance that added depth to an otherwise testosterone-driven narrative.
The film’s Rs 26 crore opening cemented Rashmika’s growing box-office credibility. Although Sikandar’s lifetime collection (Rs 184.6 crore globally) was moderate compared to Chhaava, critics noted that Rashmika’s performance “humanized the film,” proving her strength lay not just in glamour but in emotional intelligence.
Rounding off her extraordinary year was Thamma, released this Diwali as part of Maddock Films’ expanding horror-comedy universe. Directed by Aditya Sarpotdar, the film starred Ayushmann Khurrana, Nawazuddin Siddiqui, Paresh Rawal, and Rashmika in a wild, genre-bending tale involving folklore, journalism, and vampirism.
With an opening of Rs 24 crore, Thamma became her third consecutive box-office success in less than 10 months. Rashmika’s comic timing and infectious energy in the film added levity to the eerie narrative, earning her praise from both critics and audiences. Her ability to carry a supernatural comedy with the same confidence as a historical drama or an action film underlined her remarkable range.
What sets Rashmika apart is her ability to connect across demographics. To the youth, she’s the face of aspiration and relatability—frequently dubbed “The National Crush” for her natural charm and social media presence. To filmmakers, she represents a new generation of actors unafraid of experimentation.
Trade analysts note that she has become a “reliable opening factor,” especially in the post-pandemic era where audience loyalty is fickle. Her box-office consistency across genres and industries—spanning Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, and Hindi—positions her among the few genuine pan-India female stars.
Beyond Stardom
As she stands on the cusp of superstardom, Rashmika shows no signs of slowing down. She will next be seen in Pushpa: The Rule, the highly anticipated sequel to the 2021 blockbuster, alongside Allu Arjun. She’s also reportedly in talks for a major international streaming project and a biopic that could further showcase her dramatic potential.
For an actor who entered the industry less than a decade ago, Rashmika Mandanna’s 2025 is not just a golden year—it’s a statement. She’s not merely the “National Crush” anymore. She’s a national phenomenon, commanding audiences, critics, and the box office alike.
In a year dominated by sequels and franchises, Rashmika has reminded Bollywood that freshness and fearlessness still sell—and that true stardom, like hers, is built not just on beauty, but on bold choices and boundless versatility.
