Vijay Deverakonda and Rashmika Mandanna are set to reunite on screen in the period action drama Ranabaali.
Directed by Rahul Sankrityan, the film is set during British rule and shows Vijay as Ranabaali, while Rashmika plays Jayamma.
The film has created curiosity because its story is linked to one of the darkest periods in India’s history.
Is Ranabaali based on a real person?
Ranabaali is not being presented as a direct biopic of a known historical personality. The central character is part of the film’s fictional story.
However, the world in which he lives is inspired by real historical events. The film is set against the backdrop of the Great Famine of 1876–1878, which affected large parts of southern and western India during British rule.
The real tragedy behind the film
The Great Famine, also known as the Madras Famine in several historical accounts, was one of the worst famines of the colonial period. Large areas faced severe food shortages, drought and disease. Millions of people died during the famine and its effects were felt across several regions.
Colonial rule and the difficulties ordinary people faced in getting food worsened the tragedy.
A story of survival and resistance
Ranabaali appears to use this historical background to tell a larger story of survival and resistance. The film shows Vijay’s character fighting against British oppression while trying to protect his people. The recently released teaser also presents the character as a fierce warrior who refuses to accept the conditions created by colonial rule.
Rashmika plays Ranabaali’s companion
Rashmika Mandanna plays Jayamma, who is shown as Ranabaali’s wife and companion in his struggle.
The film is therefore not only about conflict with the British but also about the lives of people living through famine, hardship and social unrest.
The film brings an overlooked chapter to the screen
Director Rahul Sankrityan has described the idea behind the film as an attempt to bring a lesser-known chapter of Indian history to the big screen. Instead of focusing only on famous historical personalities, the story looks at ordinary people and their struggle during a difficult period.
Bollywood has also turned real stories into films
Indian cinema has often used real people and historical events as the foundation for films.
However, these movies do not always follow history word-for-word. Filmmakers often add fictional scenes, characters and dramatic elements to make the story work for cinema.
This is why it is important to distinguish between a biopic, a film based on a real incident and a fictional story inspired by history.
Bhaag Milkha Bhaag
Farhan Akhtar’s Bhaag Milkha Bhaag told the life story of legendary athlete Milkha Singh.
The film covered his difficult childhood during Partition, his journey as an athlete and his rise to become one of India’s best-known runners.
Paan Singh Tomar
Irrfan Khan played athlete-turned-rebel Paan Singh Tomar in the 2012 film of the same name.
The story showed how a national-level steeplechase champion eventually became a feared dacoit after facing difficult circumstances.
Neerja
Sonam Kapoor’s Neerja was based on the life of flight attendant Neerja Bhanot.
She lost her life while helping passengers during the 1986 hijacking of Pan Am Flight 73. The film focused on her courage and sacrifice.
Airlift
Akshay Kumar-starrer Airlift was inspired by the evacuation of Indians from Kuwait after Iraq invaded the country in 1990.
The film turned a major real-life evacuation into a dramatic story of survival and rescue.
Sardar Udham
Vicky Kaushal played revolutionary Udham Singh in Sardar Udham.
The film explored his life and his connection to the Jallianwala Bagh massacre, showing how the incident shaped his decision to seek revenge.
Shershaah
Sidharth Malhotra played Captain Vikram Batra in Shershaah.
The film was based on the life of the Kargil War hero and showed his military journey, relationships and sacrifice during the 1999 war.
Real history gives films another layer
Films such as Ranabaali show how cinema can use real history without necessarily making a traditional biopic. While Ranabaali himself is a fictional character, the historical tragedy surrounding his story comes from a real period of Indian history. Similarly, Bollywood has repeatedly used real people and events to create stories that bring history closer to a modern audience.
