Ranabaali: Vijay Deverakonda & Rashmika Mandanna Reunite for Epic Period Drama

New Delhi, january 27, 2026: In a major announcement that has sent shockwaves through the Indian film industry, the title and first-look glimpse of Vijay Deverakonda’s highly anticipated 14th project (VD14) were officially unveiled on January 26, 2026. Titled ‘Ranabaali’, the film is a massive period action drama that reunites the “Rowdy” star with Rashmika Mandanna, marking their third collaboration after the blockbusters Geetha Govindam and Dear Comrade.

The Legend of the Cursed Land: A Glimpse into the Past

The title glimpse, released on the occasion of India’s 77th Republic Day, introduces a world shrouded in history and grit. Set in the 19th century (specifically between 1854 and 1878), Ranabaali explores the dark era of British colonial rule in India.

The teaser doesn’t shy away from the brutality of the time. It highlights the suffering of regions that were strategically turned into drought zones by British officials, specifically referencing the controversial policies of Sir Richard Temple. The film aims to shed light on what the makers describe as “suppressed records” and a “genocide worse than the Holocaust,” focusing on the massive economic exploitation of India.

Vijay Deverakonda’s Fierce Transformation

Stepping away from his contemporary “lover boy” or urban action roles, Vijay Deverakonda appears in a never-before-seen avatar as the titular character, Ranabaali.

• The Look: Rugged, fierce, and commanding, Vijay sports a transformative look that reflects the struggle of a rebel.
• The Standout Moment: The glimpse features a chilling sequence of Vijay on horseback, dragging a British officer along railway tracks—a visual that has already gone viral on social media.
• The Quote: Accompanying the reveal, Vijay shared: “The British called him a ‘SAVAGE.’ I do not disagree. He was ‘OUR’ Savage!”

The Powerhouse Cast and Crew

Ranabaali is more than just a reunion of a popular on-screen pair; it is a high-budget Pan-Indian production with international appeal.

Production and Release Details

The film is being mounted on a grand scale by Mythri Movie Makers in association with T-Series. Director Rahul Sankrityan, a former software engineer who made waves with Shyam Singha Roy, has spent significant time researching this project. He clarifies that Ranabaali is not a traditional biopic or a “textbook retelling” but a “cinematic reconstruction” of oral histories and real accounts from the 1850s.

“Characters the British strategically misrepresented in history as ‘savages’ and ‘rebels’ are finally getting their story told.” — Official Press Release

Release Date: Ranabaali is scheduled for a worldwide theatrical release on September 11, 2026. It will be released in multiple languages, including Telugu, Tamil, Hindi, Kannada, and Malayalam.