
In the midst of the heated discussions surrounding Deepika Padukone’s remarks about filmmaker Sandeep Reddy Vanga and his brand of cinema, actress Rashmika Mandanna has finally addressed the situation, offering a more grounded and balanced perspective. Rashmika, who is known for her candid nature and positive outlook, spoke about the ongoing debate and suggested that conversations like these are part and parcel of the film industry.
The controversy started after Deepika Padukone seemingly took a subtle jab at Vanga’s style of portraying intense and often violent male protagonists in his films, during an interview. While she didn’t name him directly, fans quickly connected the dots, especially with Vanga’s latest film “Animal” still being a talking point in Bollywood circles. The film, which starred Ranbir Kapoor and Rashmika Mandanna in key roles, received a mix of praise and criticism for its unapologetic tone, aggressive characters, and its treatment of gender dynamics.
When asked about the controversy during a media interaction, Rashmika responded calmly, “I honestly feel that in our industry, it is quite normal for people to have differing opinions. Filmmaking is a creative space, and creative minds are bound to have different interpretations and viewpoints. It’s healthy to talk about it as long as it stays respectful.”
She continued, “I believe that every film has its own intention, its own audience. Some people will connect with it deeply, while others may not. And that’s completely okay. What matters is that stories are being told, and conversations are happening. That’s what art is supposed to do — provoke thought.”
Rashmika, who played Geetanjali in Animal, a role that saw her navigating emotional turbulence and complex dynamics with Ranbir Kapoor’s character, said she was proud to be a part of a film that generated discussion. “Whether people agreed with it or not, the fact that it made people talk means the film had impact. And as an artist, that’s always a powerful thing,” she noted.
Without directly referring to Deepika or Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s exchanges, Rashmika emphasized the importance of mutual respect within the creative ecosystem. “Every actor and director brings their own vision to the screen. Criticism, appreciation — it’s all part of the journey. What’s important is that we don’t let opinions divide the community, but instead use them to evolve and grow as storytellers.”
The actress is currently enjoying a strong phase in her career, with major projects lined up across both Bollywood and South Indian cinema. Despite the buzz around Animal and its reception, Rashmika has continued to maintain a graceful and mature stance, steering clear of any direct involvement in controversies.
In a world where social media reactions often escalate quickly, Rashmika’s level-headed response comes as a breath of fresh air — reminding fans and industry insiders alike that dialogue, even when uncomfortable, is part of progress.