Rashmika Mandannathe portrayal of alpha male characters’ love interests – Ranvijay (Animal, played by Ranbir Kapoor) And Pushpa Raj (Pushpa: The Rise and Pushpa: The Rule, performed by Allu Arjun) – sparked debates about his acceptance of roles showcasing toxic masculinity. In AnimalRashmika plays Geetanjali, and in the Pushpa Franchiseshe tries Srivalli – both characters in love with dominant, hyper-masculine protagonists.

In an interview with India Today, Rashmika responded to the criticism. She explained: “When a story has been written, it can be written from a man’s point of view or a woman’s point of view. So when you write a film from a man’s point of view, it becomes a man-led film. If you write a film from a woman’s point of view, it becomes a woman-led film. That’s the only difference. We humans all have a good side in us and a bad side in us. It’s just being human.”
The actress also shared her mother’s wisdom, which she says influences her outlook on life and her roles. “My mother used to say that the only thing that separates you and me is our ego. Good ego or bad ego. We all breathe the same air, eat the same food, drink the same water. What’s so different between you and me? Your physical appearance? Of course, that’s how nature is. But it’s our ego, right? »

Rashmika has defended the portrayal of toxic masculinity in his films, saying that characters like Pushpa Raj reflects individual traits and personalities, adding, “People like this exist too.” Regarding cinematic freedoms, she said: “You come to the cinema to be entertained. That’s why we have the numbers we have today.”

Despite the controversies surrounding the representation of masculinity, both Pushpa 2 and Animal have become box office heavyweights. Animal has raked in Rs 915 crore worldwide, while Pushpa 2 continues to soar, grossing Rs 1,100 crore worldwide.