Rashmika Mandanna is facing significant backlash after her recent remarks about Ranbir Kapoor’s controversial character in the film Animal. During a conversation with journalist Barkha Dutt on Mojo Story, the actor said she would consider dating someone like Ranbir’s character, Ranvijay, because she believes love can lead to change.

The discussion came up when an audience member asked Rashmika if she could be with a man like Ranvijay in real life. Her response — that love has the power to bring about change — sparked laughter from the audience and a pointed follow-up from Dutt, who remarked that such a belief sounds “young and romantic.” Rashmika defended her view, explaining that people’s personalities are still evolving when they are young, and couples growing together can experience mutual transformation over time.

She further elaborated that partners who have been together since their formative years often witness change in each other. Recalling how someone can evolve significantly over a decade, she said this belief applies particularly to those rare relationships that she called “miracle situations.” However, she also acknowledged that not everyone may agree with her view.

Reddit Reacts: Trolls, Criticism, and Harsh Labels

Soon after the clip of the interview surfaced on social media, especially Reddit, reactions poured in — most of them harshly critical. Many users found her comments naive and even irresponsible, especially in the context of a film like Animal, which has drawn criticism for glorifying toxic masculinity and presenting misogynistic undertones.

Yes, I would date a guy like Ranbir’s character in Animal in real life — and I believe my love would change him :- Rashmika mandhana
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One user suggested that Rashmika’s statement reflected a problematic mindset where women are conditioned to believe they must fix men. Another wrote that her remark was embarrassing and disconnected from reality. Others described her as lacking awareness and intellect, calling her a “pick me” and even using derogatory labels like “bimbo.” The tone of the criticism was largely unforgiving, with multiple users also dragging her rumoured boyfriend, actor Vijay Deverakonda, into the conversation, mocking both of them for supposedly making “dumb” public statements.

Film’s Legacy and Rashmika’s Previous Defense

Animal, directed by Sandeep Reddy Vanga, was both a box office success and a lightning rod for controversy. The film’s portrayal of masculinity and its treatment of female characters drew sharp criticism, even as it found a dedicated fan base. Rashmika, who played the female lead, had earlier defended the film’s reception by stating that films should be watched as entertainment and viewers have the choice to avoid content they don’t agree with.

However, her recent comments were viewed by many not just as an extension of that defense but as a tone-deaf statement that reinforced outdated notions about women's roles in relationships.

Despite the uproar, Rashmika has not issued any clarification or further statement regarding the controversy.