Vijay Deverakonda is using the stage before Ranabaali to change the story around his career. At the film’s pre-release event, he framed the period action drama as more than a release — it is his chance to answer the criticism that followed his earlier setbacks.
With Ranabaali arriving in cinemas on October 16, 2026, the actor reached for the language of a comeback before reviews and opening-day reactions take over.
Vijay’s comeback promise
Speaking at the event, Vijay said the festival atmosphere had begun and predicted that the film would make the Telugu film industry proud. He credited director Rahul Sankrityan with doing deep research before writing the script, which led to an unknown chapter of history.
Vijay also brought up the criticism he faced after NOTA around the time of Taxiwaala. He said he wrote a letter back then promising a comeback, while people were enjoying his failure. Now he is making the same kind of promise again.
“I reminded my naysayers that I will be bloody back when I say it,” Vijay said.
The actor added that Rahul is building a base for him once more, and that if things go well he will remind his haters again. The line is likely to become the release weekend’s defining soundbite.
Inside the world of Ranabaali
Ranabaali is directed by Rahul Sankrityan and stars Vijay Deverakonda and Rashmika Mandanna. The film is set against the Great Madras Famine of 1876-1878.
The story follows Singanamala Bobbili Ranabaali, a legendary warrior born under a mysterious prophecy in the hills of Rayalaseema. He grows into a skilled horseman, marries Jayamma, and sees his village life shattered by famine and colonial cruelty. When the officer Sir Theodore Hector threatens his land and people, Ranabaali rises in resistance with his wife’s support.
The cast also includes Arnold Vosloo, Luke McGibney, Vladimir Angelove, Zachary Coffin, Geoffrey Giuliano and Mime Madhu.
Why the comeback frame matters
For fans, the pre-release event was not just about a film. Vijay is packaging Ranabaali as a reset — a chance to silence critics after a run of underwhelming films. That underdog framing tends to rally audiences around a star.
- The historical famine backdrop gives the action a cause, not just spectacle.
- Vijay’s “bloody back” line gives fans a shareable comeback moment.
- Rashmika Mandanna’s Jayamma is positioned as the steady partner in the resistance.
Whether the film delivers is still unknown, but the narrative around it is already set: a star asking his audience to believe in him once more.
Source: PINKVILLA
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