'Ranabaali' real story: Vijay Deverakonda and Rashmika Mandanna’s film brings great Indian famine story to the big screen

The upcoming historical drama Ranabaali is set to bring a powerful chapter of Indian history to the big screen. Starring Vijay Deverakonda and Rashmika Mandanna the film explores the devastating impact of the Great Indian Famine of 1876–1878.

The tragedy took place during British colonial rule and remains one of the most devastating famines in the country’s history and historical records estimate that more than 10 million people died due to starvation and disease during this period.






'Ranabaali' is scheduled to release in theatres on September 11 and has already generated significant interest among fans of the lead actors.

The real story behind the film

The central theme of 'Ranabaali' is closely connected to the famine that struck large parts of southern India between 1876 and 1878. Severe drought conditions had already weakened agricultural production.

Farmers in the Rayalaseema region of present-day Andhra Pradesh suffered heavily during this period and crop failures and water shortages left many communities without food.

The situation worsened because of policies implemented under the British Raj. Despite widespread starvation, grain exports continued from India to other parts of the empire.

The colonial administration also established famine camps that provided food rations that were reportedly far below the recommended daily allowance. Historical estimates say that over seven lakh people died in the Rayalaseema region alone during the famine.

A story of resistance and courage

While the film focuses on the devastating effects of famine it also explores stories of courage. The character played by Vijay Deverakonda is inspired by a real historical figure who resisted British rule.

According to the film’s narrative several individuals stood up against colonial authorities during this period and their actions were often considered as criminal by British officials.

However, in regional folklore these figures are remembered as symbols of bravery and resistance.

Alongside the larger political conflict, the movie is also expected to portray the emotional struggles of ordinary people fighting for survival and dignity during extremely harsh times.

Director Rahul Sankrityan on the wedding poster

Director Rahul Sankrityan earlier shared an interesting story behind the film’s wedding poster. Taking to X, he explained that the image was never originally intended as a promotional poster.

He wrote, “STORY BEHIND THE WEDDING POSTER Yesterday, we released the wedding poster of Ranabaali. But this wasn’t designed as a ‘poster.’ It was a moment.”

He further explained his fascination with old photographs and the authenticity they capture. According to the director, “I’ve always been fascinated by old photographs — our parents, grandparents… the way they stood before a camera. No posing. No rehearsed smiles. No anxiety about how it would look. Just truth. Just presence.”

Describing the moment when the actors arrived in wedding costumes, he added, “The day Vijay and Rashmika came to set in wedding costume, something shifted. They didn’t look like actors playing dress-up. They looked like they had travelled through time.” He also wrote, “Sometimes cinema and life nod at each other. That timelessness — that nostalgia — is one of the strongest pillars of RANABAALI.”

Vijay Deverakonda reacts to director’s post

After the director shared the story behind the image, Vijay Deverakonda responded to the post with an emotional message. The 'Kingdom' actor wrote, “Made me emotional @Rahul_Sankrityn And your immense attention to real details and the people has excited and motivated me immensely, so interesting to read this and the details.”

Vijay added, “This is a story from our lands and me and @iamRashmika are all in with you on this great journey to make great cinema #Ranabaali.”Get the latest entertainment updates from the Times of India, along with the latest Hindi movies, upcoming Hindi movies in 2026 , and Telugu movies.”