Ranabaali Highlights Rayalaseema’s Forgotten Heroes

The third episode of the Ranabaali documentary series Never Forget The Truth, ‘The Men We Forgot’, takes audiences into the stories of the historical warriors who became the foundation for the film’s central character. Now streaming on YouTube, the episode gives viewers a closer understanding of the creative thought process behind Ranabaali.

Director Rahul Sankrityan has revealed that the character was inspired by several legendary figures from Rayalaseema, including Budda Vengal Reddy, Uyyalawada Narasimha Reddy and Gadekal Bobbili Nagireddy. Their lives represent different dimensions of courage, sacrifice and service, which the filmmaker brought together while developing the character of Ranabaali.

According to Rahul Sankrityan, Gadekal Bobbili Nagireddy’s story initially sparked the idea for the film. His research into the famine period subsequently introduced him to Budda Vengal Reddy, who reportedly sold his possessions and established gruel centres to help people during the crisis. Uyyalawada Narasimha Reddy’s resistance against the British became another significant source of inspiration. Sankrityan also connects these historical figures with his own childhood experiences of witnessing courageous people from Rayalaseema who were committed to doing good for society.

The filmmaker says the physical strength, fearlessness and determination associated with these warriors became key elements while designing Ranabaali. Starring Vijay Deverakonda and Rashmika Mandanna, the film is directed by Rahul Sankrityan and presented by T-Series. Naveen Yerneni and Y. Ravi Shankar are producing it under Mythri Movie Makers. Ranabaali is set for a worldwide theatrical release on October 16, with the fourth documentary episode, ‘The Last Load’, to be announced soon.