'Ranabaali’ preview: Vijay Deverakonda and Rashmika Mandanna reunite after their wedding in a period action drama set during the Great Famine of 1876–78

Vijay Deverakonda and Rashmika Mandanna are set to reunite on screen in ‘Ranabaali’, their third film together after ‘Geetha Govindam’ and ‘Dear Comrade’. Directed by Rahul Sankrityan, the period action drama blends a fictional rebellion against British colonial rule with alternate-history fantasy and mystical elements. Ahead of its theatrical release on October 16, here’s a look at the film’s story, characters, cast and what audiences can expect.‘Ranabaali’ preview: Vijay Deverakonda and Rashmika Mandanna reunite on screenVijay Deverakonda and Rashmika Mandanna are reuniting on screen in ‘Ranabaali’, their third collaboration after ‘Geetha Govindam’ (2018) and ‘Dear Comrade’ (2019). The upcoming period action drama marks another chapter in their on-screen partnership, with the actors now also married in real life.Directed by Rahul Sankrityan, the film is set in colonial-era South India and centres on a fictional warrior who challenges British oppression. With its period setting, large-scale action and alternate-history premise, ‘Ranabaali’ aims to combine a story of resistance with elements of fantasy.The film is scheduled to release in theatres on Friday, October 16, 2026, a day after Rajinikanth’s ‘Jailer 2’.A fictional story set during the Great Famine of 1876–78‘Ranabaali’ is a fictional period drama set against the backdrop of the Great Famine of 1876–78, a devastating period in colonial Indian history. Rather than presenting itself as a straightforward historical account, the film reimagines the era through an alternate-history narrative.Vijay Deverakonda plays Singanamala Bobbili Ranabaali, a rebellious warrior from Rayalaseema who rises against British colonial forces to protect his people. The actor appears in an intense, rugged avatar, with the character positioned at the centre of the film’s conflict.Rashmika Mandanna plays Jayamma, Ranabaali’s wife and partner in his struggle. Her character is closely connected to the protagonist’s personal life as well as the larger fight against colonial oppression.The film’s premise draws on a historical setting while using fictional characters and events to explore what might have happened if history had unfolded differently.‘Ranabaali’ blends alternate history with mystical and fantastical elementsAlthough rooted in a colonial-era setting, ‘Ranabaali’ also incorporates fantasy and alternate-history elements. Director Rahul Sankrityan, known for films such as ‘Taxiwaala’ and ‘Shyam Singha Roy’, has described the project as an imaginative response to historical events rather than a literal retelling of the past.Speaking to Gulte Pro, Rahul explained the thinking behind the film’s alternate-history approach.“Ranabaali is pure fantasy to me, born out of anger. Nowadays, people call it alternate history. The film talks about how it’d look if things happened differently. How would it be? When you hear that kind of history, you feel like, if I were there or had a chance, I’d do things differently. There’s this sort of urge or anger. That anger gives rise to fantasy,” he said.The approach allows the filmmaker to imagine a different course of events within a recognisable historical setting. The film also marks Vijay’s reunion with Rahul after their earlier collaboration on ‘Taxiwaala’.Hollywood actor Arnold Vosloo plays the antagonist‘Ranabaali’ features South African actor Arnold Vosloo, best known internationally for playing Imhotep in ‘The Mummy’ franchise, as its antagonist. Vosloo plays Sir Theodore Hector, a fictional character inspired by British colonial administrator Sir Richard Temple, who was associated with the administration’s response to the Great Famine of 1876–78. The character forms a key part of the film’s conflict with Ranabaali and the people he seeks to protect.The cast also includes Vijay Deverakonda and Rashmika Mandanna in the lead roles, with the story combining their characters’ personal relationship with a larger confrontation against colonial power.‘Ranabaali’ censor details and release date‘Ranabaali’ has completed its censor formalities and received a U/A certificate from the Central Board of Film Certification, according to reports published ahead of its release. The film was originally scheduled to arrive in theatres on September 11, 2026, before being postponed. It is now set for a worldwide theatrical release on Friday, October 16. The film’s listed runtime is approximately 2 hours and 58 minutes, according to BookMyShow.Its release places it in direct calendar competition with Rajinikanth’s ‘Jailer 2’, which is scheduled to arrive in theatres a day earlier.Get the latest Bollywood & Entertainment News, and more. Download the TOI app.Give your child the gift of confidence! Claim your exclusive TOI Masterclass spot today!