Ranabaali Real Story: Know What Inspired Vijay Deverakonda, Rashmika Mandanna Period Drama

Vijay

Deverakonda and Rashmika Mandanna are reuniting after Dear Comrade in Rahul Sankrityan’s Ranabaali. It is a period drama set between the years 1854 and 1878. Arnold Vosloo joins the Telugu actors as the antagonist. The first look teaser was released along with its official title. Earlier, the working title was VD14. While Vijay plays the titular role, Rashmika will be seen as Jayamma, whereas Arnold is Sir Theodre Hector. Ranabaali is said to be inspired by the history of Rayalaseema. As the teaser hinted that the film is set in a cursed land, Rayalaseema is looked down upon as the most backward area in Andhra Pradesh. But why?

What is real story of Ranabaali?

The history of Rayalaseema, since the decay and fall of the Vijayanagara Empire, is the history of famines, untimely deaths, farmers' suicides and ruthless suppression by Pale agars, turned land and mine mafias and the present-day politicians of all hues. It was known as the cursed land because of its intense political factionalism, high poverty, and associated crime.

Rayalaseema factionalism

Known for factionalism, Rayalaseema has a deep-rooted history of violent inter-family feuds, politics and land disputes. Districts like Kadapa, Kurnool, and Anantapur were conflicted over supremacy, leveraging local loyalties for political power, and creating a cycle of poverty and violence that government employees fear. Political leaders in the 20th century, cashed in on the existing rivalries, using factional violence to build their vote banks and gain power. Kadapa was the centre of the conflict. It was primarily because of caste dynamics, class structures, and gender issues. Dead of over 4000 people had been reported due to factionalism.

Rayalaseema conflicts

Rayalaseema, due to its arid geography, faced severe water scarcity. However, the region was rich in minerals and thus, exploited by mafia groups associated with regional landlords. This caused economic backwardness rather than prosperity. Due to irrigation problem, the Sri Bagh Pact (1937) was signed to allay fears of domination by the Coastal Andhra region, promising Rayalaseema preference in irrigation and the capital city. This has added to the conflict. All of this happened in the British Raj. There has been a decline in the crime rate and violence since the 2000s. Occasionally, a conflict erupts and eventually settles down.

About Ranabaali movie

Vijay and Rashmika’s Ranabaali is set against the backdrop of famine and the British Raj. The release date of the film is September 11.