The highly anticipated period drama starring Vijay Deverakonda and Rashmika Mandanna finally has an official title and release window. On Republic Day, the makers of the upcoming film unveiled crucial details including the title 'Ranabaali', the first official glimpse, and the worldwide release date.
Republic Day Revelation: Title, Glimpse and Release Date
In a special Republic Day announcement, the production team behind the Vijay Deverakonda starrer revealed the film would be titled 'Ranabaali'. Along with the title reveal came the first official glimpse of the period drama and confirmation that the film will release worldwide on September 11, 2026.
The announcement was made through a powerful video that immediately established the film's historical context and tone. The visuals presented in the glimpse offer a stark portrayal of British colonial rule in India during the 19th century.
Historical Context and Controversial Claims
The glimpse focuses specifically on the suffering of Indian people during a period when certain regions were deliberately turned into drought areas by British officers, including the notorious Sir Richard Temple. The scenes depicted show extreme hunger, pain, and fear among the population.
Perhaps most controversially, the makers have described the events portrayed in the film as "a genocide worse than Hitler's Holocaust and the massive economic exploitation of India." This bold statement suggests the film aims to shed light on historical atrocities that have been largely suppressed or overlooked in mainstream narratives.
Director Rahul Sankrityan appears to be focusing on stories that were previously hidden or not widely discussed. The film is set between 1854 and 1878 and draws inspiration from real historical events, though the makers have clarified this is not a biopic or textbook retelling.
Vijay Deverakonda's Transformative Avatar
Vijay Deverakonda undergoes a remarkable transformation for his role as Ranabaali. His look in the film is raw, powerful, and completely different from his previous appearances. The actor appears angry, fearless, and ready for confrontation throughout the glimpse.
One particularly striking scene at the end of the teaser shows Deverakonda riding a horse while dragging a British officer along railway tracks, establishing his character as a formidable force against colonial oppression.
An additional poster released alongside the glimpse features Vijay Deverakonda in an intense, determined look that further emphasizes the serious tone of this historical drama.
Cast Details and Historical Approach
Rashmika Mandanna plays Jayamma, who appears to be a strong female character central to the narrative. International actor Arnold Vosloo portrays the primary antagonist Sir Theodore Hector, adding an interesting dynamic to the cast.
The filmmakers have been explicit about their approach to history, stating: "This is not a biopic, and not a textbook retelling. Ranabaali is a cinematic reconstruction of an era built from multiple real accounts, oral histories, and suppressed records."
This suggests the film will blend historical research with cinematic storytelling to create a powerful narrative about a difficult period in India's colonial past.
Third Collaboration for Popular Pair
Interestingly, 'Ranabaali' marks the third on-screen pairing of Vijay Deverakonda and Rashmika Mandanna, following their successful collaborations in 'Geetha Govindam' and 'Dear Comrade'. This reunion has naturally raised audience expectations significantly.
The pairing becomes even more special as this will be their first film together since reports emerged about their engagement in October 2026. This real-life development adds an extra layer of interest to their professional collaboration.
The Republic Day announcement has successfully generated substantial buzz around 'Ranabaali', positioning it as one of the most anticipated Indian films of 2026. With its historical subject matter, star power, and controversial claims about colonial history, the film promises to be both commercially significant and thematically substantial when it releases worldwide this September.
