Arjun Reddy filmmaker Sandeep Reddy Vanga is all praise for his 2017 film's lead actor Vijay Deverakonda's latest outing Ranabaali. Taking to X, Sandeep shared a glowing review for the film, praising Vijay's performance and the chemistry between the actor and his real-life wife Rashmika Mandanna in it. It is worth noting that Rashmika Mandanna also played a key role in Sandeep's 2023 film Animal.
"Guys... go watch Ranabaali for Deverakonda Vijay Sai’s outstanding character portrayal," Sandeep wrote before adding that words such as chemistry do not befit the actor's dynamic with Rashmika. "It’s far beyond chemistry. Some connections transcend the screen. Rashmika’s Jayamma felt so achingly real," Sandeep added.
Commending Ajay Atul's music in the film, Sandeep Reddy Vanga appreciated director Rahul Sankrityan's work in it as well. "Thank you Rahul Sankrityan. I genuinely appreciate the care and curiosity with which you’ve approached history," the Arjun Reddy and Animal filmmaker shared. According to him, "This film offers something of serious academic interest, a part of our history that our school textbooks were reluctant to show us."
In response, Vijay Deverakonda said that Sandeep's appreciation for his film resembled what the filmmaker told him following the premiere of their 2017 film Arjun Reddy. The actor quote-tweeted the filmmaker's Ranabaali review and wrote, "Vangaaa You saw :)) and reviewed. I remember the biggest hug and your voice post our AR premiers - this feels like that. After 10 years I knew you would love it. But actually seeing this gives me a kick."
Set in a period of famine in a region known as Rayalaseema, the film follows a rebellious man (Vijay Deverakonda) who leads the locals in a fierce resistance against British colonial rule. It has brought Vijay and Rashmika back together after collaborations on 2018's Geetha Govindam and 2019's Dear Comrade, as well as marking the couple's first release following their recent marriage.
The film also stars Arnold Vosloo of The Mummy fame as an antagonist, alongside Eswari Rao and Mime Madhu, among others.