Actress Rashmika Mandanna has shared her feelings about her character Gitanjali in Animal, admitting that she occasionally questioned the latter’s actions as an actor.

Taking to X (formerly Twitter) on Friday, Rashmika analysed Gitanjali’s character alongside behind-the-scenes pictures from the sets of Animal. “She is pure, real, unfiltered, strong and raw.. 🌻,” the 27-year-old actress wrote about her character in Animal.

Rashmika, however, also admitted that she would question some of Gitanjali’s actions from time to time as an actor. She recalled how her director, Sandeep Reddy Vanga, had explained to her that Animal was Ranvijay and Gitanjali’s story — it was “their love and passion, their families and their lives - this is who they are.”

Delving deep into her character, Rashmika also wrote about how Gitanjali was “the rock that weathered all the storms”. She explained Gitanjali brings “peace, trust and calm” in a world of “violence, hurt and unbearable pain”.

“She would pray to her Gods to keep her husband and her kids safe...She would do anything in her power for the sake of her family,” Rashmika wrote, before adding how beautiful Gitanjali is in her eyes. “In some ways she is like most women who are standing strong and protecting their families day in and day out..❤️.”

Rashmika concluded her note by wishing her team on the occasion of completing one week since the film’s release. She also said the love and support of her fans keeps her going. “Thank you all for all the love.. it’s what keeps me going and makes me work harder with every film ❤️❤️Big hugs to you all too ❤️.”

Released on December 1, Animal, starring Ranbir Kapoor and Anil Kapoor, revolves around a toxic father-son relationship. Rashmika plays Ranbir’s on-screen girlfriend whom he eventually marries. However, the film, also featuring Tripti Dimri and Bobby Deol, has also come under fire for its alleged portrayal of toxic masculinity and misogyny.