Rashmika Mandanna Steals Hearts at Kuberaa’s Triumph: Nagarjuna’s Sridevi Praise, Chiranjeevi’s Crush Confession.
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Hyderabad, June 27, 2025 — Rashmika Mandanna is riding a wave of glory, and the spotlight couldn’t be brighter. Fresh off the blockbuster success of Kuberaa, which raked in Rs 50 crore in India within three days, the actress found herself blushing at a star-studded success meet in Hyderabad. The event, buzzing with energy, saw South cinema legends Nagarjuna and Chiranjeevi shower her with praise that left the audience roaring and Rashmika beaming. Nagarjuna, her co-star, drew a stunning comparison to the iconic Sridevi, while Chiranjeevi playfully declared her his “crush”—a sentiment echoed by Nagarjuna himself. This outpouring of admiration for Rashmika’s role as Sameera in Kuberaa has sparked a frenzy among fans, cementing her status as a pan-India sensation. From her meteoric rise to heartfelt moments on stage, here’s why Rashmika is the talk of the town and how Kuberaa is rewriting box office records.
A Night of Stars and Sweet Words
The Kuberaa success meet on June 22, 2025, was a celebration of cinematic triumph, packed with the film’s powerhouse cast—Dhanush, Nagarjuna, Rashmika Mandanna, Jim Sarbh, and Dalip Tahil. The presence of megastar Chiranjeevi as the chief guest elevated the event to a spectacle, but it was the heartfelt praise for Rashmika that stole the show. Dressed in an elegant off-white saree, Rashmika stood on stage as Nagarjuna, who plays a sharp CBI officer in the film, spoke words that left her visibly moved. “Watching Rashmika on screen made me think of Sridevi Garu from Kshana Kshanam,” he said, referencing the 1991 classic where he starred opposite the legendary actress. “Really, so many frames, so well.”
Nagarjuna didn’t stop there. He leaned into the crowd’s enthusiasm, adding, “It’s no wonder that Pushpa earned her the nickname National Crush. Because of this movie, she is, in fact, now Nag’s crush too. I loved you. You look amazing in the movie. We all love you.” The audience erupted, and Rashmika, overwhelmed, responded with a heart gesture and a warm hug for her co-star. Chiranjeevi, not to be outdone, chimed in with a playful quip: “Nag, you quoted my dialogue. In addition to being your crush, Rashmika is also my crush.” The lighthearted moment sent Rashmika blushing again, her smile lighting up the stage as fans cheered.
Rashmika’s Golden Run
Rashmika’s performance as Sameera in Kuberaa has been hailed as a standout, blending innocence and depth in a role that complements Dhanush’s intense portrayal of a beggar turned sociopolitical crusader. Directed by Sekhar Kammula, the socio-thriller explores ambition, greed, and moral dilemmas, with Rashmika’s platonic chemistry with Dhanush earning praise for its emotional weight. Nagarjuna, at a pre-release event, had already called her a “powerhouse of talent,” marveling at her filmography. “None of us are 2000–3000 crore actors, guys,” he said. “This is the one who beat all of us!”
Her recent track record speaks volumes. After captivating audiences as Srivalli in Pushpa: The Rise (2021), which grossed over Rs 360 crore, Rashmika delivered back-to-back blockbusters. Animal (2023) with Ranbir Kapoor amassed Rs 1000 crore globally, while Pushpa 2 (2024), starring Allu Arjun, soared to Rs 1800 crore, making it one of India’s biggest hits. Her roles in Chhaava and Sikandar further solidified her pan-India appeal, though Sikandar underperformed. With Kuberaa crossing Rs 55 crore in India by its fourth day, Rashmika’s star power shows no signs of dimming.
Kuberaa: A Box Office Blaze
Released on June 20, 2025, in Tamil, Telugu, and Hindi, Kuberaa is a crime drama that has gripped audiences with its gritty narrative. Dhanush plays a beggar entangled in a high-stakes conspiracy orchestrated by a corrupt CEO (Jim Sarbh) and a former CBI officer (Nagarjuna). Rashmika’s Sameera, a pivotal figure, adds emotional depth to the tale of money and power. The film’s trailer, with Dhanush musing about “crores” and Nagarjuna asserting that “money and power” rule, set the stage for a thrilling ride. Shot simultaneously in multiple languages and dubbed in Kannada and Malayalam, Kuberaa is a true pan-India project, produced by Sree Venkateswara Cinemas and Amigos Creations.
The box office numbers tell a story of success, though not without challenges. Kuberaa opened with Rs 14.75 crore on day one, followed by Rs 16.5 crore and Rs 17.35 crore over the weekend, totaling Rs 48.50 crore. However, a drop to Rs 6.50 crore on Monday suggests a struggle to maintain momentum midweek. Despite this, the film’s global collection has surpassed Rs 50 crore, with critics praising Kammula’s vision and the cast’s performances. Social media buzz, like a post from @TheAakashavaani, highlights the second half’s emotional scenes as “worth the ticket price,” with Dhanush and Rashmika earning particular acclaim.
A Comparison to Sridevi’s Legacy
Nagarjuna’s comparison of Rashmika to Sridevi, one of Indian cinema’s most revered actresses, carries weight. Sridevi’s role in Kshana Kshanam, a 1991 action-thriller, was a career-defining performance, blending charm and intensity. Rashmika’s ability to evoke similar emotions in Kuberaa underscores her versatility. Critics have noted her “impactful simplicity” as Sameera, a role that demands vulnerability without overshadowing the film’s darker themes. Fans on social media echoed this sentiment, with @urstrulyPeter praising her chemistry with Dhanush and @UmairSandu calling her performance “memorable.”
However, not all reactions were glowing. Some online voices, like @popsuresh, felt the film’s slow-paced screenplay diluted its potential, though they acknowledged Rashmika’s strong showing. Others, like @galattaplusoffl, suggested she was “underused,” hinting that Kammula could have given her more to do. These mixed reviews only fuel the conversation around Rashmika’s evolving craft, as she balances commercial hits with roles of substance.
A Moment of Controversy
While the success meet was a joyous affair, the “crush” comments from Nagarjuna and Chiranjeevi, both in their late 60s, sparked debate online due to the age gap with the 29-year-old Rashmika. Some social media users called the remarks “inappropriate,” with one post stating, “These old greezers are just yuck to the core.” Others defended the lighthearted tone, noting Rashmika’s warm response—she hugged Nagarjuna and smiled through Chiranjeevi’s praise. The controversy, though fleeting, highlights the scrutiny faced by public figures in the social media age.
Rashmika’s Journey to Stardom
Born on April 5, 1996, Rashmika Mandanna has carved a remarkable path since her debut in the Kannada film Kirik Party (2016). Her breakout in Telugu cinema with Geetha Govindam (2018) earned her a Filmfare Critics Award, followed by hits like Devadas and Bheeshma. Her Tamil ventures, Sulthan (2021) and Varisu (2023), expanded her reach, but Pushpa: The Rise made her a household name across India. With Kuberaa, she continues to bridge South and Bollywood cinema, with upcoming projects like The Girlfriend keeping fans eager.
Her off-screen charm, often seen in viral moments with rumored beau Vijay Deverakonda, adds to her appeal. At the Kuberaa song launch for “Pippi Pippi Dum Dum Du,” Nagarjuna again praised her, cementing her as a favorite among industry veterans. Dhanush’s respectful gesture of touching Chiranjeevi’s feet and hugging Rashmika at the success meet further highlighted the camaraderie that defines this cast.
Why Kuberaa Matters
Kuberaa isn’t just a box office win; it’s a testament to Sekhar Kammula’s ability to weave social commentary into a thrilling narrative. The film’s exploration of greed and morality resonates with audiences, while its stellar cast delivers performances that linger. Rashmika’s rise, from “National Crush” to a performer compared to Sridevi, marks a pivotal moment in her career. As she stood on stage, blushing under the weight of praise from two cinema giants, Rashmika embodied the promise of a new generation.
The success meet, with its viral clips and heartfelt moments, has only amplified the buzz around Kuberaa. Whether it’s Dhanush’s transformative role, Nagarjuna’s commanding presence, or Rashmika’s star-making turn, this film is a celebration of talent and storytelling. As Rashmika continues her golden run, fans are already asking: what’s next for this unstoppable star?
Disclaimer: Information is based on reports from MSN News, The Indian Express, Times of India, News18, and posts on X as of June 27, 2025. Claims regarding box office figures and public reactions require independent verification.
