Review (Overall Rating: 8.5/10)
This film is a breath of fresh air, especially for girls who’ve felt controlled, emotionally blackmailed, or pressured by society in relationships. The story follows Bhooma Devi (Rashmika Mandanna), a postgraduate literature student — strong, independent, and full of dreams. She meets Vikram (Dheekshith Shetty) in college, and what starts as sweet romance slowly turns into a toxic trap. Vikram’s love is possessive — he isolates her from friends, checks her phone, sabotages her career, and emotionally manipulates her. The film brilliantly shows that toxicity isn’t always physical abuse — emotional control is just as dangerous.
What’s Great?
Rashmika Mandanna’s Performance: WOW! She’s the soul of the film. From falling in love, to confusion, breakdown, and finally finding her strength — every emotion feels real. This is one of her best roles ever, especially after playing submissive characters in films like Animal. Critics say: “Rashmika elevates the film with grace and vulnerability.”
Direction & Script: Rahul Ravindran uses a slow-burn style that builds tension perfectly. The message never feels forced — it emerges naturally. The theater rehearsal scene where Bhooma discovers herself is a standout. Music by Hesham Abdul Wahab is soulful and deepens the emotions. Cinematography is top-notch — college life feels authentic.
Themes: A sharp study of patriarchy. The film asks: Should relationships be built on equality? It teaches girls to stand up, without being preachy. Reddit users call it: “One of the best movies of the year — message-driven but not forceful.” The Hindu called it a “brave take on stifling relationships.”
What’s Not Great?
Pacing gets slow in the middle — some conflicts feel repetitive.
Male characters (like Vikram) are one-dimensional — more depth could’ve helped.
If you want high-octane drama or a happy ending, this might feel heavy/depressing. Deccan Chronicle said: “Toxic love story drags on.”
Overall: One of the most timely films of 2025. A must-watch for girls and their families. If you loved emotional dramas like Hi Nanna or Aarya, this will hit hard. It’s getting strong box office response too!
Ending Explained (Spoiler Alert!)
The climax is set on a stage — symbolic, like Bhooma’s life is a play. Throughout the film, she gets trapped in Vikram’s control:
He checks her phone
Stops her from meeting friends
Sabotages her dreams
Enter Durga (Anu Emmanuel) — a strong friend who gives Bhooma a reality check. This female solidarity is the film’s best part — supportive, not preachy.
In the climax, during a theater performance, Bhooma has a breakdown. Vikram tries to control her on stage in front of everyone — and that’s when everything gets exposed. This is Bhooma’s moment of liberation:
She realizes this isn’t love — it’s control.
She rejects Vikram, stands her ground on stage, and the message hits hard:
Relationships need space and respect — or they become suffocating.The ending is powerful and cathartic:Bhooma becomes independent
Pursues her dreams in literature and theater
Walks free
Critics call it a “stunning, nerve-boiling climax”. IMDb rating: 8.9, mostly thanks to Rashmika!