Ranabaali director Rahul Sankrityan talks about casting Rashmika Mandanna and Vijay Deverakonda (Image Credits IMDb)
After exploring the supernatural in ‘Taxiwaala’, director Rahul Sankrityan is heading in a completely different direction with his new film ‘Ranabaali’, a 19th century drama rooted in the folklore and forgotten history of the indigenous Rayalaseema region.
Reuniting with Vijay Deverakonda for the first time since their collaboration in 2018, Sankrityan has assembled an ensemble cast that includes real-life couple Vijay Deverakonda and Rashmika Mandanna as their on-screen partners, along with the Hollywood actor.
Arnold Vosloo
In the role of the film’s antagonist. In a conversation with Variety India, the director spoke about the historical tragedy that inspired the film, the coincidence of a newly married couple being cast in an Indian period drama.
Casting of Vijay Deverakonda as Ranabali: ‘He had never explored a rural character before’
‘Ranabaali’ marks Sankrityan’s second collaboration with Vijay Deverakonda after the success of ‘Taxiwaala’ in 2018, and the director was clear about what exactly attracted him to the actor for this particular role.“I wanted someone who was physically strong, young-looking, and could ride a horse, as his character rides a horse in the film, which is set in the 1870s. Vijay is also versatile and has never explored a rural character before.
So, when I discussed the idea with Vijay, he was excited.”
Rashmika Mandanna is cast in the role of Jayamma
The casting of Rashmika Mandanna as Vijay Deverakonda’s on-screen wife, Jayamma, has drawn special attention given the couple’s real-life marriage earlier this year, though Sankrityan revealed that the casting decision came much before this news broke.“Initially, we were discussing multiple options for this character. But we wanted an actress with a pan-India presence because we want to bring this story to a national audience as well.
And that’s how we landed Rashmika. They are a great duo and there is good chemistry between them.”He was candid about the timing of the couple’s announcement in relation to the film’s production.“It’s just a happy coincidence that they got married because there’s already so much interest in them as a couple, and they’re playing a couple in this movie. In fact, I didn’t know they were going to make their relationship official.”
But after some time, Vijay informed me about their wedding plans. Their real relationship will help my film.”
Sankrityan is in the film’s September release
With Ranabaali releasing in theaters on September 11, Sankrityan expressed confidence and excitement about how the film will be put together, with the post-production phase already underway.“I am more than happy. I am very excited and proud. We have already started the post-production. The first half is almost ready. We have planned everything. I am very excited to introduce Arnold to the Indian audience, as there were a lot of people who loved him in The Mummy.” Vijay as Ranabaali will be a feast to watch and the chemistry between Vijay and Rashmika will be the highlight of this film.Ranabaali, directed by Rahul Sankrityan and starring Vijay Deverakonda, Rashmika Mandanna, and Arnold Vosloo, will hit theaters on September 11.