Midas touch or right script selection: What's working for Rashmika Mandanna?

Rashmika Mandanna seems to be the most in-demand actress currently both in South and Bollywood. While she is already doing good films with big production houses down South, Bollywood also seems to be mighty impressed with this heart crush of India. Be it Srivalli in Pushpa 1 and 2 or Geetanjali in Animal, Rashmika Mandanna has played characters that revolved around the male lead.

I truly had manifested for a song where I could get the whole country grooving again.. and
HERE it is.. !!👌🏻❤️‍🔥
I hope you like it as much as I lovvveeedddd dancing for this song.!
I love you.. and we present to you..
Srivalli and Pushpa ! ❤️‍🔥👌🏻🫰🏻https://t.co/JbEqhDhKiS… pic.twitter.com/YVa28pythG

— Rashmika Mandanna (@iamRashmika) May 29, 2024

Although not all her roles are flowerpot characters most of them do not have much substance. Even as Rani Yesubai in the recently released Chhaava, she has been side-lined by tremendous contributions from Vicky Kaushal, Akshaye Khanna, and Vineet Kumar Singh. But what has worked in her favour is that all these movies have been big hits which automatically makes Rashmika Mandanna one of the most successful female leads in recent times.

Rashmika Mandanna is yet to impress with her acting but..

The reviews for Chhaava are good. But only male actors like Akshaye Khanna, Vicky Kaushal, and Vineet Kumar Singh are getting all the praise. While there has been debate whether Mrunal Thakur could have been better as Rani Yesubai than Rashmika Mandanna, everyone has said that Rashoo looks beautiful in the movie.

Behind every great king, there stands a queen of unmatched strength.
Maharani Yesubai - the pride of Swarajya. #ChhaavaTrailer Out Tomorrow!

Releasing in cinemas on 14th February 2025.#Chhaava#ChhaavaOnFeb14@vickykaushal09#AkshayeKhanna#DineshVijan@Laxman10072… pic.twitter.com/lclHEr2lAk

— Rashmika Mandanna (@iamRashmika) January 21, 2025

Unfortunately the same cannot be said about her acting which has not been much discussed both in the case of Pushpa: The Rule and Chhaava. Rather many people have criticised her acting saying that the Mission Majnu actress only gives bland looks that do not have any emotions or expressions.

Selecting the right script is working for her

She may not be as good at acting as some of the famous leading ladies in Bollywood like Alia Bhatt or Deepika Padukone but she certainly is very smart. The last few years have shown Rashmika selecting the right scripts with the right banners. Be it working with Thalapathy Vijay in Varisu or with Allu Arjun in Pushpa 1 and 2, her selection of each project has helped her stay in the limelight and also be a part of a super hit movie.

Next she will be seen with Salman Khan-led Sikandar directed by AR Murugadoss. The movie is said to be very important for the career of Salman Khan. She has also been roped in for another Salman Khan-starrer.