Vijay Deverakonda will be seen playing the titular role in Ranabaali, an upcoming period drama. He is collaborating with director Rahul Sankrityan, with whom he previously worked on the 2018 film Taxiwaala. Recently, the filmmaker shared details about the characters played by Vijay Deverakonda and The Mummy actor Arnold Vosloo, who essays the main antagonist.
Vijay Deverakonda plays a fierce rebel in ‘Ranabaali’
Rahul Sankrityan revealed that Vijay Deverakonda will be seen portraying a man consumed by anger, as per a Cinema Express report. “Vijay plays a man driven by anger. His rage stems from the harsh realities of that region and period, where aggression was often necessary for survival,” Rahul said. He also mentioned that the character comes from a royal background. “He plays a rebel with a commanding presence—someone who hails from the lineage of a chieftain or landlord,” he added.
Vijay’s preparation for the ‘Ranabaali’ role
Vijay Deverakonda has put in extensive effort for the film, spending several months in preparation. He learned the old Rayalaseema dialect and underwent six months of horse-riding training. The team aimed for authenticity, even bringing in horses from Maharashtra, which were also trained for months.Rahul emphasised the significance of the animal in the narrative. “The horse is not just a prop in the film; it is almost like another character,” he said.
Arnold Vosloo as the powerful antagonist
The film also features a formidable antagonist, played by Hollywood actor Arnold Vosloo as Sir Theodore Hector, a British officer. Rahul described the casting as a bold choice. “One of the boldest decisions I made was casting Arnold in this role,” he said. He added that Arnold was immediately drawn to the story. “From our very first conversation, he was excited.”Arnold Vosloo reportedly connected deeply with the narrative, given his South African roots and the country’s colonial past. Rahul noted that the actor quickly grasped the emotional depth of the script. “He is a history enthusiast, and he understood the emotions behind the script immediately,” Rahul said. Arnold also worked on his language and accent for the role.The film also stars Vijay Deverakonda’s wife, Rashmika Mandanna, as Jayamma.Ranabaali is slated for a theatrical release on September 11, 2026.
