Cast: Vijay Deverakonda, Rashmika Mandanna, Eeshwari Rao, Arnold Vosloo, Luke McGibney

Crew:

Written by Rahul Sankrityan, Pramod Tammineni
Music by Ajay-Atul
Cinematography by Nirav Shah
Editing by Karthika Srinivas
Directed by Rahul Sankrityan
Produced by Mythri Movie Maker, T-Series

Vijay Deverakonda has been working on diverse scripts and genres despite the box office results. Now, he has decided to take on a periodic patriotic film, Ranabaali, about a hero from Rayalaseema raising against British Atrocities during Great Madras Famine of 1876-1878. Rahul Sankrityan has written and directed the film with Rashmika Mandanna joining Vijay in this film. 

Plot: 

Singanamala Ranabaali (Vijay Deverakonda) is a still-born baby blessed by Konda Mallanna Thatha (Lal), a deity of the village. He gives a prophecy that after 24 years, the kid will complete his life's purpose and become a legend. His mother (Eeshwari Rao) tries to find a way to extend his life period. She raises him as a rough and highly crude person, who fights like a soldier. 

As there is only year for prophecy to come true, Ranabaali gets married to Jayamma (Rashmika Mandanna). Meanwhile, new Commissioner of Madras Presidency, Sir Theodore Hector (Arnold Vosloo) aims to become Governor of flourishing Bombay Presidency and decides to reach goal of 5 Lakh Tons Grains to be sent to England to showcase his efficiency. Hence, the entire Madras Presidency is hit by great famine with low rainfall adding to the issues. What will Ranabaali do to save the people? Watch the film to know more. 

Analysis: 

Vijay Deverakonda gave his best to build a new body language for this character and fit into the 19th century milieu. His work on getting the Rayalaseema accent right is appreciable. He did try his best to raise above the written material in every scene giving his hundred percent. Rashmika Mandanna is good as Jayamma and her chemistry with Vijay stands out on screen. 

Arnold Vosloo elevated several scenes with his screen presence but writing for his character is generic at best. Eeshwari Rao and all other actors tried their best but lack impact. Writing wise Rahul Sankrityan did collect information and tried to genuinely present it on screen but execution wise he couldn't really get it right. 

Still, he managed to build a set-up and pay-off to every big and small moment on screen. His choice of connecting a chosen one idea to beaten-to-death Indian uprising against British oppression makes this film, refreshing. Production values, the periodic setting and frames work well on screen. 

Editing could have been better in the second half, as random shots seem to dominate at places. Action sequences are well choreographed and action lovers can give a try to watch them on big screens. Music by Ajay-Atul doesn't live upto expectations. Overall, movie is better than previous Vijay Deverakonda films. 

Positives: 

Vijay Deverakonda performance
Rashmika Mandanna cute portions
Action episodes
Production values 

Negatives: 

Beaten-to-death British oppression plotline
Predictable screenplay 
Slow narrative
Music 

Bottomline: A Better film from Vijay Deverakonda after forgettable debacles

Rating: 2.5/5 

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