Rashmika Mandanna's 'Mysaa' underwater fight: 20 hours, no stunt double
Synopsis
Rashmika Mandanna spent nearly 20 hours underwater across two days — no stunt double — to complete what the makers of 'Mysaa' are calling India's first female underwater fight sequence. It is the kind of commitment that can reframe how the industry thinks about women in action cinema, and with a teaser imminent, the pressure is now on the film to deliver.
Key Takeaways
Rashmika Mandanna personally performed India's first female underwater fight sequence for the film 'Mysaa' , without using a stunt double.
She spent approximately 20 hours underwater over two days to complete the sequence.
Mandanna described the experience as 'the most challenging thing I've ever had to do in life' in an Instagram Story post. 'Mysaa' is directed by Rawindra Pulle and produced by Unformula Films , and is billed as the first female-led pan-India action film.
The film is scheduled for a 2026 theatrical release, with a teaser announcement expected soon.
Rashmika Mandanna has offered fans a rare behind-the-scenes glimpse into the making of her upcoming film 'Mysaa', revealing that she personally completed what is being described as India's first female underwater fight sequence — without an action double. The actress called it 'the most challenging thing I've ever had to do in life.'
What Rashmika Shared
Taking to the Stories section of her Instagram on Thursday, Mandanna posted a picture of herself standing in a pool, back to the camera. Her accompanying note read: 'I know I've been MIA but this is what we've been doing. This is by far the most challenging thing I've ever had to do in life. We are crazy for this but that's what's gotten me so so excited. Let's goooo! #Mysaa.'
The post ended weeks of near-silence from the actress on social media, offering the first concrete visual from the film's production.
The Scale of the Sequence
According to the production team, Mandanna spent close to 20 hours underwater across two days to complete the sequence — entirely on her own, without relying on a stunt double. The team behind 'Mysaa' dropped a separate set of stills and a glimpse of the sequence on their own social media handles, with the caption describing it as 'a battle unlike anything Indian cinema has seen.'
The makers wrote: 'India's First Female Underwater Fight Sequence, led by @rashmika_mandanna. The Surface Was Never the Limit. Beneath the depths lies a battle unlike anything Indian cinema has seen. Get ready to witness the fury. A NEW CHAPTER IN ACTION CINEMA BEGINS.' A teaser announcement, they added, is coming soon.
About 'Mysaa'
Produced by Unformula Films and directed by Rawindra Pulle, 'Mysaa' is described as an emotional action thriller set in tribal lands. The film is positioned as the first female-led pan-India action film, with Mandanna taking on what the makers call her 'boldest and most commanding role' to date. The film is slated for a 2026 theatrical release.
Notably, the underwater sequence is already being touted as one of the most ambitious action set pieces attempted in Indian cinema — a claim that, if the finished film delivers, could set a new benchmark for female-driven action in the industry.
What to Watch For
With a teaser announcement confirmed as imminent, audiences can expect the first official look at the sequence shortly. The production's emphasis on Mandanna performing the stunt herself — rather than using a double — is a deliberate marketing and creative choice, signalling that 'Mysaa' intends to position its action credentials as a primary draw ahead of its 2026 release.
Point of View
But the framing is deliberate: this is not a female-adjacent action film, it is a female-fronted one. The industry will be watching whether the box office validates the positioning.
NationPress
9 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the underwater sequence in 'Mysaa'?
It is being described as India's first female underwater fight sequence, performed entirely by Rashmika Mandanna without a stunt double. The sequence took approximately 20 hours across two days to shoot and is expected to be one of the film's major highlights.
Did Rashmika Mandanna use a stunt double for the sequence?
No. According to the production team, Mandanna completed the entire underwater fight sequence herself, without the assistance of an action double — a fact the makers have highlighted as a first in Indian cinema for a female actor.
When is 'Mysaa' releasing?
'Mysaa' is scheduled for a 2026 theatrical release. The makers have confirmed that a teaser announcement is coming soon, following the wrap of the underwater sequence.
Who is directing 'Mysaa'?
'Mysaa' is directed by Rawindra Pulle and produced by Unformula Films . It is described as an emotional action thriller set in tribal lands, positioning itself as the first female-led pan-India action film.
What did Rashmika Mandanna say about the experience?
Mandanna wrote on Instagram: 'This is by far the most challenging thing I've ever had to do in life. We are crazy for this but that's what's gotten me so so excited.' The post accompanied a photo of her standing in a pool during the shoot.
