Rashmika Mandanna To Showcase Her Dark Shade In Raaka?
Rashmika Mandanna, who has built her career on flamboyant and emotionally appealing roles, seems to be heading for a major image change. If industry reports are to be believed, the actor will be seen in a negatively shaded role in his upcoming film Raaka, starring Allu Arjun and directed by Atlee. Rashmika is expected to attend the final shooting schedule of the film along with Allu Arjun this week, but the most talked about topic is reportedly not her entry into the shoot but the character she plays.
According to industry buzz, Atlee designed Rashmika’s role with many unexpected twists, making her one of the most intriguing characters in the film. Although no official confirmation has been given by the makers, reports suggest that the actress will be seen in a dark, layered role that she has rarely attempted in her career.
Producer Lagadapati Sridhar says, “I have no idea about his role in Raaka but if he is playing a really dark character, it will be a completely new challenge for him.” “Audiences loved Rashmika for her dazzling screen presence and emotional performances. If these reports are true, this role could completely transform her image as an actress.”
The Allu Arjun-Rashmika combination has already delivered two of the biggest blockbusters in Hindi cinema with Pushpa and Pushpa 2. However, this time, instead of portraying a romantic couple, the duo is expected to add another layer of curiosity to the project by sharing a completely different on-screen equation.
Sridhar believes Rashmika has mastered the art of balancing glamor with powerful performances. “She has perfected the role of the perfect wife opposite superstars like Allu Arjun in Pushpa, Ranbir Kapoor in Animal and Vicky Kaushal in Chhaava. She effortlessly transforms from a glamorous, modern lover to an elegant, sari-clad wife and makes even traditional characters look stylish and memorable,” he says.
The filmmaker also feels that Rashmika is steadily rising as one of India’s biggest multilingual stars. “She will probably be more selective about Telugu films, choosing only star-driven projects as she expands her presence in Bollywood. With her acting talent, screen presence and dancing skills, she is capable of giving tough competition to leading Indian actresses,” he adds.
If the rumors about her role in Raaka prove true, Rashmika will join the elite league of actresses who have surprised the audiences by adopting characters with negative or gray shades. Kajol in Gupt, Priyanka Chopra in Aitraaz, Vidya Balan in Ishqiya and Trisha in Kodi are among the notable actresses who have successfully explored their dark sides on the big screen. “If he pulls it off convincingly, he will definitely join an elite club,” Sridhar concludes.
