Ranabaali first look: Vijay Deverakonda takes on British rule in a fierce period action drama

The makers of Ranabaali, previously known as VD14, unveiled the first look of the much-anticipated film on Republic Day, setting the tone for an intense period action drama rooted in India’s colonial past. Released on Mythri Movie Makers’ YouTube channel, the glimpse introduces audiences to a brutal era shaped by British exploitation and resistance from the margins of history.

Directed by Rahul Sankrityan, the video opens with haunting visuals that depict the devastating impact of British rule in India. Through a compelling narration, the filmmaker sheds light on deliberate policies that led to famine and economic destruction, particularly under British officials like Richard Temple. The glimpse underscores how entire regions were pushed into drought and despair, highlighting a chapter of history rarely explored in mainstream cinema.

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Vijay Deverakonda appears as Ranabaali, a fierce and defiant figure rising from a “cursed land.” In one striking sequence, his character is seen dragging a British officer along railway tracks while riding a horse, capturing the raw anger and rebellion at the heart of the story. Rashmika Mandanna plays Jayamma, with her brief appearance hinting at a strong and emotionally grounded role. Hollywood actor Arnold Vosloo, known for The Mummy, essays the antagonist Sir Theodore Hector.

Set in the 19th century, Ranabaali is inspired by real events that occurred between 1854 and 1878. While not a biopic or textbook retelling, the film reconstructs an era using oral histories, suppressed records, and multiple real accounts. The makers emphasize that the story revisits incidents and characters the British once misrepresented as savage or rebellious.

Produced by Naveen Yerneni and Y Ravi Shankar, with T-Series presenting, the film features music by Ajay and Atul and writing by Pramod Tammineni. Ranabaali also marks the third collaboration between Vijay Deverakonda and Rashmika Mandanna after Geetha Govindam and Dear Comrade, and is slated for a theatrical release later this year.