Rashmika Mandanna defends the depiction of toxic masculinity in Animal and Pushpa franchise: 'People like this exist'

Rashmika Mandanna’s portrayal of love interests to alpha male characters - Ranvijay (Animal, played by Ranbir Kapoor) and Pushpa Raj (Pushpa: The Rise and Pushpa: The Rule, played by Allu Arjun) - has sparked debates about her acceptance of roles that showcase toxic masculinity. In Animal, Rashmika plays Geetanjali, and in the Pushpa franchise, she essays Srivalli - both characters enamored with dominant, hyper-masculine protagonists.


In an interview with India Today, Rashmika addressed the criticism. She explained, “When a story has been written, it can be written from a man's perspective or a woman's perspective. So, when you write a film from a man's perspective, it becomes a man-led film. If you write a film from a woman's perspective, it becomes a woman-led film. That’s the only difference. All of us humans have a good side in us and an evil side in us. Like, that's just being human."

The actress also shared wisdom from her mother, which she said influences her outlook on life and roles. “My mom used to say that the only thing differentiating you and me is our egos. Good ego or bad ego. We all breathe the same air, eat the same food, drink the same water. What is so different about you and me? Your physical appearance? Of course, that's how nature is. But it's our egos, right?"



Rashmika defended the depiction of toxic masculinity in her films, stating that characters like Pushpa Raj reflect individual traits and personalities, adding, "People like this exist as well." On cinematic liberties, she said, "You come to cinema to be entertained. That’s why we have the numbers we have today."



Despite the controversies surrounding the portrayal of masculinity, both Pushpa 2 and Animal have emerged as box office juggernauts. Animal has raked in Rs 915 crore globally, while Pushpa 2 continues to soar, grossing Rs 1100 crore worldwide.