Ranabaali First Review: Vijay Deverakonda and Rashmika Mandanna’s Ranabaali finally hit theatres on Friday, October 16. While fans are rushing to theatres to watch their favourite couple reunite on screen, one of the first reviews suggest that the film is ‘slow’ and ‘tests your patience’. As per a post by the user ‘Venky Reviews’ on X, Ranabaali lacks in terms of screenplay even when Vijay and Rashmika have done their part well.
“#Ranabaali Honest Intentions, Patience Testing Execution! The director sincerely tries to tell real stories/events set against a beaten to death British backdrop, but the dead slow screenplay and flat narration test your patience. VD-Rashmika’s portions provide some relief and are the film’s main highlight, but the film lacks
the emotional connect a subject like this needs and feels lifeless and tiring for long stretches,” the post read.
“Production values and set design stand out. VD’s effort is visible and he gives a sincere performance, though his characterization and histrionics feel odd at times. BGM is a huge letdown, and the film badly needs trimming. Sincere effort, but a strictly boring watch,” it added.
#Ranabaali Honest Intentions, Patience Testing Execution!
The director sincerely tries to tell real stories/events set against a beaten to death British backdrop, but the dead slow screenplay and flat narration test your patience. VD-Rashmika’s portions provide some relief and are the film’s main highlight, but the film lacks the emotional connect a subject like this needs and feels lifeless and tiring for long stretches.
Production values and set design stand out. VD’s effort is visible and he gives a sincere performance, though his characterization and histrionics feel odd at times. BGM is a huge letdown, and the film badly needs trimming. Sincere effort, but a strictly boring watch.
Rating: 2/5
— Venky Reviews (@venkyreviews) October 16, 2026
Is Ranabaali Based On A True Story?
Ranabaali is not a straightforward biopic or a direct retelling of the life of one documented historical figure. Instead, the film draws inspiration from a real historical period and depicts the struggles of people in Rayalaseema during the British colonial era.
In the film, Vijay Deverakonda plays the titular role of Ranabaali, who has been described as a Telugu man from Rayalaseema who rises against British oppression. On the other hand, Rashmika Mandanna plays Jayamma, his wife and companion in his fight. Arnold Vosloo also plays the antagonist Sir Theodore Hector, an English oppressor in the movie.
It should be noted that Ranabaali marks another collaboration between Vijay and Rashmika, who have previously worked together in Geetha Govindam and Dear Comrade. The film has been produced by Naveen Yerneni and Y. Ravi Shankar under Mythri Movie Makers and is presented by T-Series.
