Thalapathy 66 is a kind of film which I always wanted to do: Rashmika Mandanna

Rashmika Mandanna was 19 when she made her debut film in Kannada, Kirrik Party. And, it was a blockbuster. For someone, who predominantly works in Telugu and Kannada industries, she has been trying to experiment with what she's capable of. After having featured in Pushpa: The Rise, she's now a name to reckon with. A couple of years ago, while promoting Vijay Deverakonda's Dear Comrade, she admitted that she's a fan of Thalapathy Vijay, and expressed her interest to star alongside him, someday. “I grew up watching the man’s work. I'm a fan girl. And, I’d love to be a part of his films!” Little did she know her wish would be realised in 2022.

It is well-known that Rashmika Mandanna is cast opposite Vijay in Thalapathy 66. In an interview with Filmfare, she said how the Vamshi Paidipally-directorial happened just at the right time when she was getting done with all of her prior commitments. “It’s a film for families, which I always wanted to do. I love doing family dramas, as they interest me. The opportunity came to me when I was looking for new scripts,” she said.

About her character in Thalapathy 66, Rashmika says she's playing a fiercely headstrong person. “She is someone who stands up for herself and is supportive and protective of her people,” she added.

Further, Rashmika shared an incident that happened at her best friend's wedding. “I was surrounded by this girl who I’ve known since I was 12. We were talking about how we’d insist our dads get us CDs of Vijay sir films so that we danced to his films. I have adored him since my childhood. Getting to work with him, finally, makes me extremely happy!"

Bankrolled by Dil Raju of Sri Venkateswara Creations, Thalapathy 66 has a musical score by Thaman.

Up next, she's a part of Ranbir Kapoor's Animal, also starring Anil Kapoor and Bobby Deol, in key roles. Directed by Sandeep Reddy Vanga of Kabir Singh fame and backed by T-Series, the film has been slated to be released on August 11, 2023.

So, how was it being on sets with Ranbir Kapoor? “He’s kind and loving. Of course, I was nervous when I first met him. Ranbir is easy-going. Five minutes into the look test, we were comfortable with each other,” she told the Filmfare.

Even though Rashmika has starred in several big-budget films over the course of her career, she acknowledges that each one has helped her to reach where she is now. Had she not done Kirik Party or Chalo (Telugu), she says she would not have been chosen for Geeta Govindam. “I want to be known for playing a diverse range of roles. I am evolving. When I choose a film, I see what sort of value I bring into the project,” she concludes.