Ranabaali Is More Than Just a Historical Action Film: Vijay Deverakonda

For Vijay Deverakonda, ‘Ranabaali’ is not simply a period action film but an attempt to explore the struggles, courage and identity of people whose stories deserve greater recognition. Director Rahul Sankrityan has built the film around the historical experiences of ordinary people and the warriors who stood up against oppression.

Vijay says the team has approached the subject with a clear purpose, seeking to recreate the atmosphere, culture and social realities of the time rather than relying on action and spectacle alone. The film, starring Rashmika Mandanna alongside Vijay, is set for a worldwide theatrical release on October 16.

Vijay believes understanding history is essential to understanding the present. He pointed out that divisions among rulers, internal conflicts and the ambitions of certain individuals helped the British gradually expand their control over Indian territories. He also observed that history lessons often focus on the dates of famous battles, while the suffering of ordinary people receives comparatively less attention.

According to the actor, revisiting these experiences can help society recognise past mistakes and avoid repeating them. With ‘Ranabaali’, the team hopes to encourage audiences to look beyond familiar historical narratives and reflect on the events that shaped the country.

The actor further explained that cultural traditions and folk songs played an important role in preserving the memories of local heroes. Many of their stories survived through generations before being documented by writers. Vijay sees the film as an opportunity to bring these lesser-known accounts to a larger audience. Rather than creating promotional hype without substance, he says the team has focused on presenting the film's purpose through its trailer and storytelling.