On the occasion of India’s 77th Republic Day on Monday, actors and fiancés Vijay Deverakonda and Rashmika Mandanna took to social media to announce their upcoming film together, Ranabaali, which is scheduled to release in theaters on September 11, a little over six months after their rumored wedding in February.
What is Ranabaali about?
Initially titled VD14, Ranabaali’s title was revealed with the first look on Monday. Set in 19th century India, the film is inspired by real historical events that took place between 1854 and 1878. The film portrays the brutality of British colonial rule and depicts the suffering caused by imperial policies and officials during that period.
The vision depicts regions mired in drought and devastation, while setting the stage for the rise of a legendary hero from what is described as a “cursed land.” Vijay Deverakonda appears in a fierce and imposing avatar as Rana Baali, showing off a striking new look. The actor wrote in the caption that the British called Ranabaali ‘savage’ but he is actually a forgotten freedom fighter.
Team behind Ranabaali
Ranabaali is directed by Rahul Sankrityan, best known for directing another popular period drama, Shyam Singha Roy (2021). That film, set in the context of the Calcutta from the 1970s, starring Nani in a double role that crosses generations and eras. Also starring Sai Pallavi, the film earned Rs 65 crore at the box office. Rahul previously collaborated with Deverakonda in the 2018 horror comedy Taxiwaala.
Mythri Movie Makers, directed by Naveen Yerneni and Y. Ravi Shankar, has produced Ranabaali. The production house behind blockbusters like Janatha Garage (2016), starring Mohanlal and Jr NTR, Rangasthalam (2018), starring Ram Charan, and Allu Arjun’s landmark Pushpa franchise, has also backed Deverakonda’s Dear Comrade and Deverakonda and Samantha Ruth Prabhu’s 2023 romantic comedy Rashmika and Kushi.
Popular music composer duo Ajay-Athul has composed the music of Ranabaali. They are the force behind popular Hindi albums like Singham (2011), Agneepath (2012), Dhadak (2018) and Zero, and Marathi films like Sairat (2016) and Ved (2022). Hollywood actor Arnold Vosloo, best known for playing the memorable antagonist Imhotep in Stephen Sommers’ hit action-adventure-fantasy franchise The Mummy, will be seen as the main antagonist Sir Theodore Hector in Ranabaali.
Vijay and Rashmika reunite
Ranabaali will also reunite Vijay and Rashmika, who plays Jayamma, after their past memorable films like Parasuram’s 2018 romantic comedy Geetha Govindam and Bharat Kamma’s 2019 action romance Dear Comrade. Last year, the two actors also got engaged in a secret ceremony. Although they have not officially confirmed more news, It is rumored that they will get married next February.
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As Ranabaali is scheduled to release in theaters on September 11, it would be their first film together as a married couple. Only a little look at your PDA was seen at the successful reunion of Rashmika’s latest release, Rahul Ravindran’s romantic drama The Girlfriend, in Hyderabad when Vijay gently kissed her hand.