Rashmika Mandanna, India’s “National Crush,” is absolutely ruling cinema in 2025! Following her massive success in Pushpa 2: The Rule, she’s dominating IMDb’s Most Anticipated Indian Movies list with three films that showcase her incredible versatility. From historical drama to horror-comedy to action thriller alongside Salman Khan, Rashmika continues to prove why she’s one of Indian cinema’s most bankable and transformative stars. Let’s explore her game-changing 2025 lineup.
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Rashmika Mandanna 2025 Films Overview
| Film | Co-Star | Genre | Director | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chhaava | Vicky Kaushal | Historical Drama | Laxman Utekar | Released Feb 2025 |
| Sikandar | Salman Khan | Action Thriller | A.R. Murugadoss | Released March 2025 |
| Thama | Ayushmann Khurrana | Horror Comedy | Aditya Sarpotdar | Upcoming Diwali |
| Kubera | Dhanush | Action Drama | Shekhar Kammula | Bilingual Release |
| The Girlfriend | TBA | Emotional Drama | Rahul Ravindran | Summer Release |
The Pushpa 2 Phenomenon
Rashmika began 2025 riding massive momentum from Pushpa 2: The Rule, which became one of Indian cinema’s highest-grossing films, earning over ₹1,800 crore worldwide. Her portrayal of Srivalli earned her ₹10 crore—representing a significant salary jump and validation of her star power. This success positioned her perfectly for a 2025 that would redefine her career trajectory.
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Dominating IMDb’s Most Anticipated List
What makes 2025 truly remarkable is Rashmika’s unprecedented dominance on IMDb’s Most Anticipated Indian Movies list with three films:
Sikandar (topped the list) – Her first collaboration with Salman Khan in an action-thriller directed by A.R. Murugadoss proved the ultimate crowd-pleaser announcement.
Chhaava – Her Bollywood historical drama opposite Vicky Kaushal where she portrayed Maharani Yesubai Bhonsale showcased her range beyond contemporary narratives.
Thama – The horror-comedy universe entry alongside Ayushmann Khurrana demonstrated her willingness to explore darker, unconventional territories.
This triple-film dominance reflects genuine audience investment in her career and versatility.
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Breaking the Mold: Career Evolution
Rashmika started her journey with Kannada films (Kirik Party, 2016), transitioned to Telugu cinema (Geetha Govindam breakthrough in 2018), then conquered Bollywood (Animal 2023, Pushpa crossover). Now in 2025, she’s simultaneously mastering historical drama, horror-comedy, and action thrillers—territories where most actresses struggle.
Her engagement to actor Vijay Deverakonda (October 2025) added personal happiness to her professional achievements, showing she balances industry success with genuine relationships.
The Physical Transformation for Thama
For Thama, Rashmika underwent intense physical training that reportedly intimidated other actors at the gym. Producer Dinesh Vijan noted her character is “the most physically strong in the whole universe,” representing a departure from typical romantic lead roles. This commitment demonstrates her dedication to challenging conventional female character depictions.
Pan-India Powerhouse Status
Forbes India’s 2024 “30 Under 30” list and GQ naming her among South India’s highest-paid actresses validate her pan-India status. Unlike actresses limited to single industries, Rashmika fluidly works across Kannada, Telugu, Tamil, and Hindi—a rarity that enhances her commercial value and creative opportunities.
The Industry Recognition
Rashmika Mandanna dominates IMDb’s Most Anticipated Movies List of 2025 with 3 films, showcasing her unparalleled star power and making her the year’s most-awaited actress. This unprecedented recognition reflects genuine industry confidence in her ability to carry diverse projects.
Key Takeaways
- Rashmika dominates 2025 with three films on IMDb’s Most Anticipated list
- Sikandar with Salman Khan topped the anticipated movies ranking
- Chhaava (historical drama) and Thama (horror-comedy) showcase her versatility
- Pushpa 2 success positioned her as Indian cinema’s leading actress
- Forbes India 30 Under 30 recognition validates her pan-India status
- Engagement to Vijay Deverakonda adds personal happiness to professional achievements
FAQs
Q1: Why is Sikandar with Salman Khan particularly significant for Rashmika’s career?
A: Sikandar, directed by acclaimed filmmaker A.R. Murugadoss and produced by Sajid Nadiadwala, represents Rashmika’s first collaboration with Salman Khan, one of Bollywood’s biggest superstars. The Eid 2025 release promised a treat for audiences during the festive season, making it a major milestone in her career that validates her entrance into A-list Bollywood productions. Pairing with Khan elevated her status to truly mainstream Bollywood actress rather than regional star transitioning to Hindi cinema.
Q2: What makes Rashmika’s role in Thama unique within the Maddock Horror Comedy Universe?
A: In Thama, Rashmika’s character stands out for its physicality—she is “the most physically strong in the whole universe.” Her role is rooted in Indian culture while having “such swag,” with no references to build from, requiring her to completely surrender to the creative vision and create the character in her mind. This represents departure from typical female horror-comedy roles, positioning her as an action-capable protagonist rather than supporting love interest.
