The trailer of Rahul Sankrityan’s Telugu film revisits the devastating Madras famine of 1876-78, bringing a lesser-known chapter of colonial India to the screen.

The trailer of ‘Ranabaali’, starring Vijay Deverakonda and Rashmika Mandanna, offers a glimpse into a period of colonial oppression, widespread hunger and rebellion against British rule. Directed by Rahul Sankrityan, the nearly four-minute trailer follows the film’s short documentary series ‘Never Forget’, which explored the historical backdrop of the story and the devastating loss of Indian lives during the Madras famine of 1876-78.

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While the documentary series shed light on the famine and the impact of British colonial policies, the trailer shifts its focus to the resistance that emerges among the affected villagers. It introduces a world where access to food becomes a question of power, survival and dignity.

One of the recurring images in the trailer is that of food grains, which serve as a symbol of the exploitation faced by the people. A British officer is seen walking over grains, while Jayamma, played by Rashmika, carefully places her foot beside them as she enters her marital home. The contrast highlights the differing attitudes towards food in a society marked by deprivation.

 

Vijay plays Ranabaali, a man from the fictional Rayalaseema village of Singanamala. The trailer traces his journey from his birth near a mystical cave to his emergence as a fierce figure of resistance. As the villagers struggle under a system that forces them to work for their basic right to food, Ranabaali's rebellious spirit begins to take shape.

‘Ranabaali’ also marks Vijay and Rashmika’s first film together following their wedding earlier this year. The actors previously shared screen space in the Telugu romantic comedy ‘Geetha Govindam’ and the romantic drama ‘Dear Comrade’.

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For director Rahul Sankrityan, the film marks a reunion with Vijay after their 2018 film ‘Taxiwaala’.

Produced by Mythri Movie Makers, ‘Ranabaali’ features music by Ajay-Atul, while Jishnu Bhattacharjee and Nirav Shah have handled the cinematography. National Award winner Archana Rao is in charge of costume design, with Vithal Kosanam overseeing the art direction.

‘Ranabaali’ is scheduled to hit theatres on October 16.