After exploring the supernatural in ‘Taxiwala’, director Dr Rahul Sankrityan Going in a completely different direction with his new film ‘Ranabali’, a 19th century period drama rooted in folklore and the forgotten history of his native Rayalaseema region. Reconciliation with Vijay Deverkonda For the first time since their 2018 collaboration, Sankrityan has assembled a cast that includes real-life couple Vijay Deverakonda and Rashmika Mandanna Hollywood actors as well as on-screen partners Arnold Voslu As the film’s antagonist. In a conversation with Variety India, the director spoke about the historical tragedy that inspired the film, the audacity of casting a newly married couple for an Indian period drama.
Casting Vijay Deverkonda as Ranabali: ‘He has never explored a rural character before’
‘Ranabali’ marks Sankrityan’s second collaboration with Vijay Deverkonda after the success of ‘Taxiwala’ in 2018 and the director was clear about what exactly brought him back to the actor for this particular role.“I wanted someone who was physically strong, youthful, and who could ride a horse, like his character does in a movie set in the 1870s. Vijay is also very versatile and had never explored a rural character before. So, when I discussed the idea with Vijay, he was excited.”
Rashmika Mandanna played the role of Jayamma
Rashmika Mandanna’s casting as Vijay Deverakonda’s on-screen wife Jayamma has attracted special attention due to the couple’s real-life wedding earlier this year, though Sankrityan revealed that the casting decision was made well before the news broke.“Initially, we were discussing multiple options for the character. But we wanted a female actor with an all-India presence as we wanted to take this story to a national audience as well. And that’s how we signed Rashmika. They make a great pair and have good chemistry.”He was tight-lipped about the timing of the couple’s announcement regarding the film’s production.“It’s a happy coincidence that they got married because there is already a huge interest in them as a couple and they play a couple in this film. In fact, I didn’t know that they were going to make their relationship official. But after some time Vijay told me about their marriage plan. Their real-life relationship will help my film.”
Sankrityan is releasing in September
With Ranabali releasing in theaters on September 11, Sankrityan expressed confidence and excitement about how the film has come together, with post-production already underway.“I am beyond happy. I am very excited and proud. We have already started post-production. The first half is almost ready. We have everything planned. I am very excited to introduce Arnold to the Indian audience, as he was loved by many in ‘The Mummy’. Vijay as Ranabali is going to be a feast to watch, and Vijay and Rashmika’s chemistry will also be the highlight of the film.”‘Raanabali’, directed by Rahul Sankrityan and starring Vijay Devarakonda, Rashmika Mandanna and Arnold Bhoslu, releases in theaters on September 11.
