Vijay Deverakonda has delivered the best performance of his career in the period drama Ranabaali, said some first-day viewers after the film hit theatres on Friday.
“Vijay Deverakonda dhi career best performance [Vijay Deverakonda delivered his career-best performance],” wrote an X user, describing the film as a “peak theatrical experience”.
“Vijay Deverakonda delivered his career best in Ranabaali. His screen presence was next level and his chemistry with Rashmika Mandanna was very cute,” wrote another viewer.
However, some viewers expressed reservations about the film’s background score and narrative pace.
“Blockbuster 1st Half, Don't See any negative reviews, Vijay Devarakonda performance, Director went into raw Flat narrative rather then regular commercial Only drawback is BGM,” an X user posted.
Another viewer felt that the film’s pacing and Deverakonda’s performance fell short.
“#Ranabaali Looks like good but not good. There are no unnecessary scenes. But also feels like lag. #VijayDevarakonda acting feels like artificial,” the user wrote.
Set in the 1870s, Ranabaali unfolds against the backdrop of a famine in Singanamala, a village in Rayalaseema. As millions of Indians lose their lives under British oppression, Ranabaali emerges as a figure of resistance, taking on the colonisers to protect his people. He later marries Jayamma (Rashmika Mandanna), who is told by his family that she bears the responsibility of carrying forward their lineage.
One viewer praised the film for its subject and cinematic treatment, writing, “#Ranabaali is miles better than the recent outdated, routine rotta movies. Most importantly, it’s NOT a patriotic or independence themed film It’s purely about the Madras Famine,drought & presented through a powerful cinematic experience.”
Directed by Rahul Sankrityan and produced by Mythri Movie Makers, Ranabaali features music by Ajay-Atul and cinematography by Jishnu Bhattacharjee and Nirav Shah. National Award-winning designer Archana Rao has designed the costumes, while Vithal Kosanam is in charge of art direction.