Vijay Deverakonda and Rashmika Mandanna are gearing up for the release of their upcoming period action drama, ‘Ranabaali’, directed by Rahul Sankrityan. Ahead of the film’s theatrical release on October 16, 2026, the makers unveiled its trailer, with producer Ravi Shankar making an emotional appeal to social media users to stop targeting Vijay. He defended the actor’s character and urged people to give the film a fair chance instead of spreading negativity about its lead star.
‘Ranabaali’ producer Ravi Shankar makes an appeal to trolls
Speaking at the trailer launch, Ravi Shankar said he had known Vijay for nearly a decade and described him as a kind person who remains focused on his work. The producer expressed disappointment over the negativity directed at the actor on social media, regardless of what he does.“I have a small request. I have known Vijay for close to a decade now. He has an extraordinary character and is an extraordinary person. I like him a lot; he’s a very nice person and quite soft. But I see people spreading negative propaganda on social media, no matter what he does,” he said.Ravi also questioned why some social media users were criticising the film’s subject before the trailer had even been released. He cited a post questioning whether audiences would be interested in a story about the struggles under British colonial rule.“I recently saw a handle questioning who would watch a story about the struggles during British colonial rule. We haven’t even released the trailer, but you’ve already started,” he said.
Producer says Vijay Deverakonda deserves a fair chance
The producer went on to defend Vijay, saying the actor does not appear to dwell on online criticism and remains committed to his work. He urged those targeting him to reconsider their approach and separate their opinions about the actor from the film itself.“He is a really good person; I’ve never seen him talk ill about anyone or care about any of this. He doesn’t have a world beyond his role and cinema. Whatever negativity you have against him in your heart, please get rid of it,” Ravi added.
About ‘Ranabaali’
Directed by Rahul Sankrityan, ‘Ranabaali’ features Vijay Deverakonda in the titular role of a Telugu man from Rayalaseema who rises against British rule. The film presents him as a fierce warrior whose struggle unfolds against the backdrop of colonial oppression. Rashmika Mandanna plays Jayamma, Ranabaali’s wife and partner in his struggle. Hollywood actor Arnold Vosloo, best known for playing Imhotep in the 1999 film ‘The Mummy’, essays the antagonist, Sir Theodore Hector, an English oppressor.The film’s music is composed by Ajay–Atul. ‘Ranabaali’ is scheduled to release in theatres on October 16, 2026, in Telugu, Hindi, Tamil, Kannada and Malayalam.