‘Actual Events Were More Violent’: Vijay Deverakonda on the Brutal World of ‘Ranabaali’

Actor Vijay Deverakonda has revealed that the violence depicted in his upcoming film Ranabaali has been toned down to suit the story, arguing that the historical period in which the film is set was far more brutal than what audiences will see on screen.

Directed by Rahul Sankrityan, Ranabaali is a period drama that aims to recreate a turbulent historical world through realistic characters, dialogue and action. Vijay said the filmmakers designed the action sequences to reflect the violence of that era rather than include fights merely for spectacle.

“The actual events were even more violent, but we designed the sequences according to what the story required,” the actor explained, adding that conflicts during the period often became matters of life and death, unlike the way disagreements are handled today.

Vijay stressed that the film’s setting and characters demanded a forceful portrayal, making a softened treatment unsuitable for the story. The action, he said, was shaped by the world the film seeks to recreate.

The actor also spoke about the extensive preparation he undertook to bring authenticity to his character. He spent two to three months learning the Rayalaseema dialect and practising his dialogues. Having studied in Puttaparthi for ten years, Vijay already had some familiarity with the regional speech, but underwent further training to refine his performance.

Horse riding was another important part of his preparation. According to Vijay, Rahul Sankrityan was particular about how the titular character should look, speak and behave. Unlike reserved characters who communicate sparingly, Ranabaali speaks forcefully, reflecting the temperament of warriors from that period.

Vijay also disclosed that Ranabaali has a runtime of two hours and 50 minutes. The director’s emphasis on a realistic historical setting, combined with a mass-oriented storytelling approach, is expected to shape the film’s cinematic experience.

With its period backdrop, intense action and Vijay’s physical and linguistic transformation, Ranabaali is positioning itself as a demanding role for the actor.