‘Ranabaali’ director Rahul Sankrityan on casting Rashmika Mandanna and Vijay Deverakonda: ‘Their real-life relationship will help my film’
After exploring the supernatural in ‘Taxiwaala,’ director Rahul Sankrityan is heading in an entirely different direction with his new film ‘Ranabaali’ which is a 19th-century period drama rooted in the folklore and forgotten history of his native Rayalaseema region. Reuniting with Vijay Deverakonda for the first time since their 2018 collaboration, Sankrityan has assembled a cast that includes real-life couple Vijay Deverakonda and Rashmika Mandanna as on-screen partners, alongside 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 serendipity of casting a newly married couple for an Indian period drama.
Casting Vijay Deverakonda as Ranabaali: ‘He had never explored a rural character before’
‘Ranabaali’ marks Sankrityan’s second collaboration with Vijay Deverakonda following the success of ‘Taxiwaala’ in 2018, and the director was clear about exactly what drew him back to the actor for this particular role.“I wanted someone who was physically strong, young-looking, and who could ride a horse, as his character rides one in the movie, which is set in the 1870s. Vijay is also very versatile and he had never explored a rural character before. So, when I discussed the idea with Vijay, he was excited.”
Rashmika Mandanna’s casting as Jayamma
The casting of Rashmika Mandanna as Vijay Deverakonda’s on-screen wife Jayamma has drawn particular attention given the couple’s real-life marriage earlier this year though Sankrityan revealed the casting decision came well before that news became public.“Initially, we were discussing multiple options for this character. But we wanted a female actor with a pan-India presence because we want to pitch this story to the national audience as well. And that is how we signed Rashmika. They make a great pair and there is good chemistry between them.”He was candid about the timing of the couple’s announcement relative to the film’s production.“It is just a happy coincidence that they have got married because there is already a huge interest in them as a couple, and they also play a couple in this film. Actually, I wasn’t aware that they were going to make their relationship official. But after some time, Vijay informed me about their wedding plans. Their real-life relationship will help my film.”
Sankrityan on the film’s September release
With Ranabaali set to release in cinemas on September 11, Sankrityan expressed confidence and excitement about how the film has come together, with post-production already underway.“I’m more than happy. I’m very excited and proud. We have already started post-production. The first half is almost ready. We’ve planned everything. I am very excited to present Arnold to the Indian audience, as there were so many people who loved him in ‘The Mummy.’ Vijay as Ranabaali is going to be a feast to watch, and also 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, releases in cinemas on September 11.
