As speculation intensifies around the rumored February wedding of South Indian cinema's beloved couple, Vijay Deverakonda and Rashmika Mandanna, their professional collaboration continues to capture headlines. The actors, who announced their engagement last year in a private ceremony, have now revealed their next cinematic venture together—the highly anticipated period war drama Ranabaali. Directed by Rahul Sankrityan, this film is poised to mark their first on-screen reunion as a married couple, with a theatrical release scheduled for September 11, 2026.
Unveiling Ranabaali: A Glimpse into 19th-Century India
On India's 77th Republic Day, Vijay Deverakonda and Rashmika Mandanna took to social media to unveil the title and first glimpse of Ranabaali, previously known under the working title VD14. The film is set against the backdrop of 19th-century India, drawing inspiration from real historical events that transpired between 1854 and 1878. The initial footage vividly portrays the harsh realities of British colonial rule, highlighting the widespread suffering inflicted by imperial policies and officials during that era.
The glimpse depicts regions ravaged by drought and devastation, 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 commanding avatar as Rana Baali, showcasing a striking new look that has already generated significant buzz among fans. In his social media caption, the actor emphasized that while the British labeled Rana Baali a "savage," he is actually a forgotten freedom fighter, adding depth to the character's narrative.
The Creative Team Behind Ranabaali
Ranabaali is helmed by director Rahul Sankrityan, who gained acclaim for his previous period drama, Shyam Singha Roy (2021). That film, set in 1970s Kolkata and starring Nani in a dual role, was a commercial success, earning approximately Rs 65 crore at the box office. Sankrityan has previously collaborated with Vijay Deverakonda on the 2018 horror comedy Taxiwaala, establishing a proven working relationship.
The production is backed by Mythri Movie Makers, headed by Naveen Yerneni and Y. Ravi Shankar. This production house has a strong track record of blockbusters, including:
- Janatha Garage (2016) starring Mohanlal and Jr NTR
- Rangasthalam (2018) featuring Ram Charan
- The historic Pushpa franchise headlined by Allu Arjun
Mythri Movie Makers has also previously produced Vijay Deverakonda and Rashmika Mandanna's Dear Comrade and Vijay's romantic comedy Kushi (2023) with Samantha Ruth Prabhu.
Adding to the film's musical appeal, the popular composer duo Ajay-Athul have been roped in to score Ranabaali. Known for their work on hit Hindi albums like Singham (2011), Agneepath (2012), Dhadak (2018), and Zero, as well as acclaimed Marathi films such as Sairat (2016) and Ved (2022), their involvement promises a compelling soundtrack.
In an exciting international casting move, Hollywood actor Arnold Vosloo, best remembered for his iconic role as Imhotep in The Mummy franchise, will portray the chief antagonist, Sir Theodore Hector. This addition is expected to elevate the film's global appeal and dramatic tension.
Vijay and Rashmika's On-Screen Reunion
Ranabaali marks the third collaboration between Vijay Deverakonda and Rashmika Mandanna, following their successful pairings in Parasuram's 2018 romantic comedy Geetha Govindam and Bharat Kamma's 2019 action romance Dear Comrade. In this new film, Rashmika plays the character Jayamma, adding another layer to their on-screen chemistry.
While the couple has kept details of their personal life private since their engagement last year, rumors of a February wedding have been circulating widely. If these speculations hold true, Ranabaali will indeed be their first project together as a married couple, making its September release particularly significant. Fans caught a rare glimpse of their affection at the success meet of Rashmika's last release, The Girlfriend, in Hyderabad, where Vijay gently kissed her hand, fueling excitement for their future collaborations.
With its rich historical context, stellar cast, and seasoned creative team, Ranabaali is shaping up to be a major cinematic event. As audiences eagerly await both the rumored wedding and the film's release, this period drama promises to blend intense action with emotional depth, celebrating a forgotten hero's journey against colonial oppression.
