Vijay & Rashmika are Back! Everything You Need to Know About Their Roles in Ranabaali!

Hollywood Meets Ollywood: Arnold Vosloo Cast as the Ruthless Villain in VD’s Ranabaali1

The official title for VD14 has been unveiled as Ranabaali. On the occasion of Republic Day 2026, the makers released a high-octane first look that has set social media ablaze. The film marks the much-awaited reunion of the beloved "Geetha Govindam" pair, Vijay Deverakonda and Rashmika Mandanna, after a gap of seven years.

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Ranabaali (VD14): Plot, Cast, and Release Date Details

Directed by Rahul Sankrityan (of Taxiwaala and Shyam Singha Roy fame), Ranabaali is a massive period action drama set against the backdrop of British-occupied India in the 19th century.

1. The "Savage" First Look

The teaser/glimpse of Ranabaali introduces a "cursed land" ravaged by the drought-inducing policies of British officials.

• The Visuals: Vijay Deverakonda is seen in a raw, fierce avatar as a 19th-century rebel.
• The Standout Scene: The first look culminates with a powerful shot of Vijay riding a horse and dragging a British officer along railway tracks, symbolizing a brutal resistance against colonial oppression.
• The Quote: Vijay shared the look with the caption: "The British called him a 'SAVAGE' I do not Disagree :) He was 'OUR' Savage!"

2. Cast and Characters

The film features a stellar ensemble cast that bridges Indian and international cinema:

• Vijay Deverakonda as Ranabaali: A fiery warrior who rises from village folklore to lead a revolution.
• Rashmika Mandanna as Jayamma: Described as an emotionally grounded and historically significant character.
• Arnold Vosloo as Sir Theodore Hector: The Hollywood actor (famous for The Mummy) plays the primary antagonist, a ruthless British officer.

3. Historical Significance and Plot

The makers have clarified that Ranabaali is a "cinematic reconstruction" rather than a textbook biopic.

• Timeline: The story is rooted in historical incidents occurring between 1854 and 1878.
• The Narrative: It explores "suppressed records" of the British Raj, focusing on economic exploitation and a genocide that the film claims was "worse than the Holocaust."
• The Conflict: It highlights the suffering caused by officials like Sir Richard Temple, who turned flourishing regions into drought-stricken wastelands.

4. Technical Crew & Release Info

Produced by Mythri Movie Makers on a grand scale, the film promises top-tier production values.

• Music: The background score is composed by the acclaimed duo Ajay-Atul.
• Cinematography/VFX: The film features high-end VFX to recreate 19th-century India.
• Release Date: Ranabaali is scheduled for a grand worldwide theatrical release on September 11, 2026, in Telugu, Hindi, Tamil, Kannada, and Malayalam.