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Rashmika Mandanna’s romantic drama ‘The Girl Friend’ directed by Rahul Ravindra is up for a grand release on November 7. The theatrical trailer stirred discussions about the film’s theme, which is toxic relationships. Deekshith Shetty plays the male lead.

During promotions, Rahul Ravindran revealed why she chose a non-Telugu hero for the film. “During Dasara promotions, Deekshith looked sharp and good. He was believable as a college student. His eyes have a spark. At that point, it was irrelevant which industry he was from. I am particular about my actors speaking Telugu dialogues,” said Rahul Ravindran.

He added, “Hero’s role is equally important as the heroine’s in The Girl Friend. I wanted a performer. We tell this story from the heroine’s point of view. If an established hero tells me that he wants to act in The Girl Friend, I will be more than happy. If they don’t agree, I am completely fine with it too. An actor or actress works hard to build a market for themselves. They can’t do a character whose perception will create a problem for their market.”

Rahul Ravindran opines that there isn’t anything wrong with an established hero safeguarding his market. Rahul wanted a newcomer or a two-film-old actor for The Girl Friend, and that’s the reason he finalized Deekshith Shetty.