Rashmika Mandanna wants Sandeep Reddy Vanga 'to be protected': 'He has to be like this for the rest of his life'

Basking in the success of her recently released film with Sandeep Reddy Vanga's Animal, Rashmika Mandanna is presently on the roll, following her performance as Gitanjali. While a section of fans were seen calling out the kind of relationship depicted between Rashmika and Ranbir Kapoor's characters, many also praised the actress for her portrayal. Director Sandeep Reddy Vanga also received a lot of criticism over the show of violence and misogyny. However, Rashmika has now spoken out in support of her director, stating that Vanga should be protected.Rashmika wants Sandeep Vanga to be protectedIn her latest interaction with Pinkvilla, Rashmika while praising Vanga said, "The man functions differently. I don't know how he thinks, what he eats, or what he does. But with Animal you saw 'Oh, this is what the audience like, this is what we like showing the audience, this is the story that we want to maintain'. Now, we have the whole universe. We can play around with whatever we want with Animal Park. So, it’s exciting," further dropping a hint about the film's sequel.The actress also went on to add that Vanga enjoys making films and said that he sticks to the story that he wants to tell."He does not change according to how people want him to change. I love that. I think the man should be protected and he has to be like that for the rest of his life," she concluded.Rashmika Mandanna on being called the 'national crush'Rashmika also spoke about the kind of love that she received from the audience following the release of her film."The bottom line is that this is the love and acceptance of the audience because I don't know if a lot of people get that. I am one among very few people, and I am conscious of it. I have not been like," she said further adding that there is a bond with fans.Earlier, Rashmika while expressing her gratitude for the love that she received from fans shared a long note on social media."It would be the only force at home holding her family together...", a part of her post read.