Rashmika Mandanna Performs Own Underwater Stunt for Mysaa

For the upcoming action drama Mysaa, the star performed the grueling sub‑sea combat herself after a stunt double balked, spending nearly 20 hours in chilly 25‑foot water.

Rashmika Mandanna spent close to twenty hours submerged in a pool to film a three‑and‑a‑half minute underwater clash for Rawindra Pulle’s new action drama Mysaa. The sequence, shot over three days, demanded that the actress hold her breath, fight with weapons and keep her eyes open despite murky water and a chill that would make most professionals balk.

Pulle disclosed that the original plan was to use a body double for the aquatic portion. When he briefed a seasoned stuntwoman on the demands – a depth of roughly twenty‑five feet, no goggles and a need for expressive facial work – the stunt professional declined, citing safety concerns. "She said she couldn’t do it," the director recalled. "That’s when Rashmika stepped forward and said she’d try it herself."

The actress, already known for her work in romantic dramas, has been undergoing a transformation for the role of a fierce Gond tribal heroine. Training spanned weapon handling in Italy, combat drills in Thailand and, as Pulle noted, a relentless work ethic. "She never said no," he added, praising her commitment even when an injury struck during the final month of shooting. After a brief three‑hour rest, she returned to the set, pain notwithstanding.

Filming the underwater segment was a logistical puzzle. The crew secured permission from local authorities to shoot in a controlled tank, then rigged lighting that could cut through the low‑visibility water. Rashmika had to master breath‑control techniques akin to free‑diving, timing each punch and kick to match the director’s three‑minute‑plus vision. The result is a gritty, claustrophobic tableau that places the audience inside the river’s murk alongside the protagonist.

Mysaa, slated for a November release, marks a departure for the actress, who has rarely been cast in a female‑led action vehicle. The film promises to blend cultural specificity – a Gond tribal backdrop – with high‑octane set pieces. Pulle, who first met Rashmika while working as an assistant director on Sita Ramam, says her eyes conveyed the raw anger needed for Mysaa long before the script was finalized.

Industry watchers are already noting the stunt’s promotional value. Social media clips of the submerged fight have begun circulating, highlighting the actress’s willingness to push physical boundaries. If the underwater battle lives up to the buzz, it could become a defining moment for both the film’s marketing and Rashmika’s evolving on‑screen persona.

The next milestone for Mysaa is its first look reveal, expected next week, followed by a full trailer drop in early October. Fans will be watching closely to see whether the underwater footage translates into box‑office momentum when the film finally hits theatres.

Rawindra Pulle’s comments were reported by Bollywood Hungama on September 29, 2026.