Vijay Deverakonda and Rashmika Mandana’s Ranbali hit the theaters on October 16, bringing the much-awaited on-screen couple back to the big screen.
Directed by Rahul Sankrityan, the action epic received mixed responses to X, with audiences praising the lead actors’ performances and some of the high points while raising concerns about the film’s pace, violence and music.
The film has entered the box office race with Yami Gautam Nai Naveli And of Rajkumar Rao Prahar – Ujjwal Nikam Kahani. It is also after Rajinikanth’s theatrical release Jailer 2 On October 15
While some viewers have appreciated the film’s portrayal of British atrocities, powerful dialogues and the chemistry between Vijay and Rashmika, others have felt that the narrative loses momentum, especially in the second half.
Internet reviews
Many viewers have highlighted Vijay Deverakonda’s intensity and screen presence, with Rashmika Mandana also receiving praise for her performance. A viewer praised the director’s approach to the story and wrote, “Just watched #Ranabaali What a movie! Kudos to @Rahul_Sankrityn for his vision and storytelling. The way he has handled the emotions, characters and every scene shows his dedication and passion for cinema. Rating: 35.”
Another audience was impressed by the performance of the lead pair, despite the film being slow at parts. The user wrote, “VDK gives a powerful performance with her intensity and screen presence to the film. Rashmika is equally good, and their chemistry works well. The film feels a bit slow at parts, but the high points make it worth watching.”
Just watched #Ranabaali ❤️🔥 What a movie! 👏 Kudos to @Rahul_Sankrityn for his vision and storytelling. The way he has handled the emotions, characters and every scene shows his dedication and passion for cinema. Rating: 3.5/5
— Sujith..RC+B (@YSujith3) October 15, 2026
In the first half, however, opposite assessments have been made. A viewer criticized the initial parts for their slow narrative and lack of emotional impact, posting, “#Ranabaali Dull 1st Half! VD-Rashmika’s parts are distinct and well-executed, but the rest of the story is slow, flat and overly violent at times. The British sequences are very effective and impactful. The BGM is a major disappointment so far.”
Another viewer gave a more favorable response to the same segment, particularly praising the historical sequence and the lead actors’ scenes. The user wrote, “#Ranabaali first half – ️️️️ #VijayDeverakonda – #RashmikaMandana track works well. Scenes depicting British atrocities stand out as highlights. Impressive dialogues, charming pre-interval sequence. #Vijay #Rashmika #Ranabaalifilm”
The second half of the film has emerged as a major point of criticism among some moviegoers. One viewer felt that Vijay’s performance was let down by the screenplay, while also expressing disappointment with the music and the violence depicted on screen.
The user wrote, “Done with my show, tiring 2nd half after this..Vijay’s efforts wasted..only Rashmika on screen then postive…!!Ajay-Atul’s music is a big disappointment, and too much senseless violence and scenes. Overall, a forgettable movie 1.5/5 #Ranabaali.”
Done with my show, has a tedious second half..Vijay’s efforts wasted..screen with only Rashmika on screen..Ajay-Atul’s music is a big disappointment, and too much senseless violence and scenes. Overall, forgettable movie 1.5/5 #Ranabaali
— Peter Reviews (@urstrulyPeter) October 15, 2026
A more detailed review offered a more measured assessment, acknowledging the film’s central themes but pointing to predictable storytelling and repetitive sequences.
The viewer wrote, “#Ranabaali – Sincere but lacks impact ‘A forgotten past is a stolen future’ is the point that director Rahul Sankrityan tries to convey through the film and in doing so, he manages to succeed to a large extent apart from a shaky start in the first few minutes. The second half doesn’t start too well either, every bit as good, not great. The sequence unfolds on an expected note, the director takes a turn during the pre-climax. K managed to come through, but we’ve seen twists in so many movies in the past that reached a saturation point long ago and there’s not much one can do to stop the audience from feeling déjà vu.
#Ranabaali Honest intentions, test of patience! The director honestly tries to set real stories/incidents against a battered British backdrop, but the dead slow screenplay and flat narration test your patience. VD-Rashmika’s segments provide some relief and are the highlight of the film, but the film lacks emotional attachment to a subject like this need and feels lifeless and tiresome for long stretches. Production values and set design stand out. Veedi’s effort is visible and he gives an honest performance, though his characterization and histrionics feel awkward at times. The BGM is a huge loss, and the film needs to be cut badly. Sincere effort, but a seriously boring watch. Rating: 2/5
— Venky Reviews (@venkyreviews) October 16, 2026
The reviewer also acknowledged that the film has moments that work in its favour, particularly Vijay and Rashmika’s scenes, with pre-interval sequences and selected high points. However, writing and runtime were identified as areas that could have been handled better.
The review continued, “Overall, Ranabali There are some good moments throughout the film. In particular, almost all the scenes between Vijay Deverakonda and Rashmika, the pre-interval sequence and two to three high moments as well as two songs worked in the film’s favour. We can see the director’s sincerity in sticking to the main point, but the writing should have been a little more careful during the middle sections of the second half. The excessive runtime, with some repetitive sequences around a single point, worked against the film. Rating – 2.5/5″
about Ranabali
Directed by Rahul Sankrithyan and co-written by Pramod Tammineni, Ranabali Vijay Deverakonda is introduced as Singanamala Bobili Ranbali, a rebel warrior. Rashmika Mandana plays Jayamma, his wife and companion in the conflict, while Hollywood actor Arnold Vosloo appears as Sir Theodore Hector, a British commissioner and antagonist of the film.
Produced by Mithri Movie Makers, with Naveen Yerneni and Y Ravi Shankar backing the project, the film is presented by T-Series Films.
Ranabali It is also Vijay and Rashmika’s first film after their marriage. The actors have shared screen space before Gita Govindam And dear comrade.