'Ranaballi', the period drama starring Vijay Deverakonda and Rashmika Mandanna, is all set to hit the theatres on September 11, 2026. Amid the buzz, let's learn the real story of the film.
Vijay Deverakonda’s upcoming film, Ranabaali, has created a buzz online for its gripping storyline. Directed by Rahul Sankrityan, the period drama is scheduled to hit the theatres on September 11, 2026. On the occasion of Republic Day, the makers released the first glimpse of the upcoming film. Ever since the first glimpse surfaced on the internet, cinephiles have grown curious to know more about the film. Amid the buzz, let’s learn the real-story behind the film.
Reportedly, the story of Ranabaali is inspired by the history of Rayalaseema, a southern part of Andhra Pradesh, India. The period drama traces back to Rayalaseema’s downfall after the decay of the Vijayanagara Empire. After the empire’s fall, Rayalaseema went through repeated famines, extreme poverty, sudden deaths, and farmer's s**cides. The region witnessed suppression by strong local leaders called Palegars, who took control over lands, resources and people. Because of constant tussles, intense political factionalism, an extreme level of poverty and repeated crimes, Rayalaseema became a cursed land.
Rayalaseema is widely known for its political factionalism and has a deep-rooted history of inter-family feud, land disputes and more. Districts like Kadapa, Anantapur and Kurnool were the core areas where these feuds took place. Kadapa acted as the centre of these conflicts. Local loyalties were used to gain political power, and cycles of poverty and violence were created. In fact, the political figures in the 20th century took advantage of these conflicts and used it to build their vote banks and gain power. The primary reasons behind these conflicts were due to caste, class and gender issues. Over the years, more than 4000 people were killed due to these conflicts.
For the uninitiated, Rayalaseema is a dry and drought-prone area. There has been a huge scarcity in the region. However, the region is rich in minerals. But the local landlords and mine maf**s exploit the region, causing economic backwardness. Due to an irrigation problem, a pact called the Sri Bagh Pact was signed in 1937, so that Rayalaseema benefited from the Coastal Andhra region. However, the promises were not kept, creating regional conflicts during the British Raj era.
Ranabaali is the second collaboration of Vijay Deverakonda and director, Rahul Sankrityan. Alongside Vijay, the film also stars, Rashmika Mandanna and international fame, Arnold Vosloo. The alleged couple, Rashmika and Vijay, are coming together after a 7-year hiatus. They last appeared in the film, Dear Comrade. Ranabaali will be their third film as a lead pair. Rashmika and Vijay first came together for the movie, Geeta Govindam. Fans love the duo’s chemistry both on and off-screen.
The period drama will feature Vijay Deverakonda as 'Ranabaali', Rashmika as 'Jayamma' and Arnold Vosloo as the antagonist 'Sir Theodore Hector'. According to a TOI report, Vijay Deverakonda and Rashmika Mandanna starrer is inspired by real events that took place between 1854 and 1878. Earlier, the period drama was referred to as VD14. On January 26, 2026, the Dear Comrade actor took to his Instagram handle and revealed the title of the film. According to his post, the title is Ranabaali. The makers also released the first glimpse of the film on January 26, 2026. Ever since the first look was released, it created a huge buzz online.
Netizens shared their reviews on X (formerly Twitter). A user wrote, "Just from the title glimpse itself, it feels like a blockbuster.VD looks like he’s hitting hard. Hype level is off the charts. Script selection, character selection and extraordinary looks, banger loading." A film journalist penned, "#Ranabaali: Film maker @Rahul_Sankrityn is all set to tell an authenticated, raw & powerful story through an excellent actor @TheDeverakonda along with super bright star cast... As glimpse, the movie may create waves with its strong content... Should appreciate @MythriOfficial for backing this."
What are your thoughts on the real story of Ranabaali? Let us know.
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