Rashmika Mandanna’s new Telugu movie, The Girlfriend, released recently, and the audience can’t stop talking about it (for all the right reasons). Although the film’s plot might instantly remind you of movies like Animal, Kabir Singh, or Arjun Reddy, Rashmika’s The Girlfriend is anything but that. Contrary to these movies, this story strongly encourages leaving a toxic relationship.

The Girlfriend portrays a toxic boyfriend disguised as a green forest. The signs are subtle yet evident. Directed by Rahul Ravindran, the film follows Bhooma, a literature student, and her boyfriend, Vikram, an engineering student who’s obsessed with her. Turns out, Vikram is nothing but a controlling, authoritative and possessive guy who loves to gaslight Bhooma. Initially, Bhooma fears speaking up, but when she does, she walks out making a strong point. Is that the part that stayed with you too? Then here are some other Indian movies that explore toxic relationships without glorifying the “intense love”.

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1. Dev. D (2009)

Anurag Kashyap’s Dev. D brilliantly flips the classic Devdas narrative and refuses to glorify the hero’s heartbreak-fueled self-destruction. The entitled Dev normalises slut-shaming his beloved, Paro, thinking she’ll always wait for him to return to her. But does she? Paro walks away the moment she sees his fragile male ego and judgemental attitude. She unapologetically chooses dignity over drama, proving that love doesn’t mean dealing with a toxic partner.

Where to watch: YouTube

2. Pokhar Ke Dunu Paar (2022)

This is among the most underrated Indian movies that beautifully portrays a woman leaving a toxic relationship. Pokhar Ke Dunu Paar follows Priyanka and Sumit, a young couple who want to elope to Delhi but end up stuck in their hometown due to the lockdown. Their confinement compels Priyanka to learn how little Sumit has grown. He is lazy, entitled, immature, and emotionally unavailable. The film focuses on Priyanka’s growing clarity as she realises he doesn’t acknowledge her ambitions, let alone help her in achieving them.

Where to watch: MUBI

3. Arth (1982)

The film follows Pooja, a loving wife whose world collapses when her husband, Inder, leaves her for another woman. Instead of begging him to stay, she slowly gathers the courage to rebuild her life. Arth never glorifies Inder’s infidelity or emotional manipulation. The film highlights Pooja’s courage in questioning him directly and reclaiming her autonomy.

Where to watch: YouTube

4. Lajja (2001)

The movie is a collection of four interconnected stories of courageous women in manipulative, abusive relationships. Lajja mostly centres on Vaidehi (Manisha Koirala), a young woman married to Raghuvir (Jackie Shroff), an abusive NRI man. The movie doesn’t frame Vaidehi’s endurance as strength. Tormented by Raghuvir’s controlling behaviour, Vaidehi runs away to build a new life. Not only this, she also encourages Maithili, her new friend, to call off the wedding that she was going through with under her father’s pressure.

Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video

5. Guilty (2020)

This movie is a reminder that not every “nice” guy is nice. Nanki (Kiara Advani), truly committed to her boyfriend VJ (Gurfateh Pirzada), refuses to believe a girl who files a rape case against him. But soon, she uncovers his real nature and decides to do the right thing.

Where to watch: Netflix

6. Mrs (2025)

Starring Sanya Malhotra in the lead, Mrs will stay with you long after the credits roll. The movie follows Richa, who views marriage as a form of companionship, but ultimately experiences confinement. When her marriage starts to suffocate her, Richa chooses herself. Mrs will leave you with an uncomfortable silence that will change your idea of the perfect marriage.

Where to watch: Zee5

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7. Ijaazat (1987)

This is among the rare Bollywood movies that don’t romanticise unhealthy relationships. When Sudha finds that her husband is emotionally cheating on her, she walks out with grace and clarity. Sudha chooses peace over a relationship built on half-truths. The movie doesn’t portray her decision as a rebellion but as a much-needed act of self-respect.

Where to watch: YouTube

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