Rashmika Mandanna completes historic 20-hour underwater stunt sequence for upcoming film Mysa

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Indian actress Rashmika Mandanna has achieved a milestone in Indian cinema by performing an extensive underwater action sequence for her upcoming film, *Maisha*, without the assistance of a body double or stunt performer. The production team confirmed that Mandanna spent nearly 20 hours submerged over the course of two days to capture the complex sequence, which filmmakers are describing as the first female-led underwater action scene in the history of Indian film.

Director Ravindra Pulley unveiled the scale of the production on Thursday by sharing behind-the-scenes photographs on Instagram. The images depict Mandanna in a wetsuit, coordinating with professional divers and receiving final instructions before descending into the water. Pulley lauded the actress’s commitment, noting that audiences are set to witness a level of intensity and physical performance previously unseen in the region’s action genre.

Reflecting on the grueling production process, Mandanna shared her experience on social media, admitting that the project demanded more than any previous role in her career. She described the shoot as her most significant challenge to date, acknowledging that while the intensity of the work bordered on extreme, the creative outcome provided a unique sense of accomplishment.

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*Maisha*, produced by Unformula Films, is an emotional action-thriller set against the backdrop of indigenous territories. The film marks Mandanna’s first foray into a pan-Indian, female-centric action feature. According to the production team, the completion of this key sequence marks a significant phase in development, with an official teaser and definitive release date expected to be announced in the near future. The film is currently slated for a 2026 theatrical release.

Mandanna’s latest screen appearance was in the Hindi-language film *Cocktail 2*, directed by Homi Adajania and co-starring Shahid Kapoor and Kriti Sanon. Despite receiving mixed critical reviews, the film demonstrated strong commercial viability, grossing over 1.4 billion rupees globally.