Hyderabad: Actor Vijay Deverakonda left fans swooning on Wednesday night as he attended the success bash of fiancée Rashmika Mandanna’s latest film The Girlfriend. The couple, who are rumoured to have recently engaged, made a joint appearance at the celebration — and a viral video from the event has captured Vijay holding Rashmika’s hand, kissing it gently, and shaking it affectionately before taking to the stage with a heartfelt speech.

Speaking emotionally about Rashmika’s journey and her latest performance, Vijay said, “Rashi, I wanted to say that I am so proud that you are standing here with a film that may give strength to others who might need it. Even while making this film, there were so many moments of highs and lows you had, and this is not just cinema — this is a purpose.”

Sharing his reaction to The Girlfriend, he added, “I watched the movie today. It made me emotional. I had to hold back tears at many places. I felt heavy and tight inside at very close moments. At times, I felt disoriented and couldn’t even sit still, even when I was moving. This is one of the best films I’ve seen in recent times.”

Reflecting on Rashmika’s growth as an actor, Vijay continued, “I have been watching Rashmika since the time of Geetha Govindam. She is exactly like Bhuma Devi. There is an unknown innocence in her — Rashmika never thinks about herself even once. She wanted everyone to be happy on the set. She still does. Her journey that started from there has now reached the point where she can choose strong scripts for herself like The Girlfriend. I don’t know who will watch it, but I want to tell such stories to those who do. Rashi… I am so proud to watch your journey.”

Praising her resilience, he added with affection, “If anyone beats me, I’ll go in reverse. But Rashi… no matter how many words the world says, she doesn’t really care. She’s kind to others. She doesn’t think this world should change me. She is doing her job very calmly and keeps climbing up one step at a time. Rashi, you are truly amazing. This is one of the best movies I have seen in recent times. Director Rahul Ravindra has made a wonderful film.”

Rashmika, visibly moved, responded with gratitude, saying, “Viju, you’ve been a part of this film since the beginning, and you’re a part of the success of the film. You’ve been a part of this whole journey so personally.” She went on to add sweetly, “I can just hope that everyone has a Vijay Deverakonda in their lives because that’s a blessing.”