Days before ‘Ranabaali’ release, Rashmika, Deverakonda meet CM Vijay; praise ‘incredible’ journey

CHENNAI: With the release of their film 'Ranabaali' just days away, actors Rashmika Mandanna and Vijay Deverakonda paid a courtesy call on Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay.

The two shared pictures from the meeting on social media, along with messages praising the actor-turned-politician.

Rashmika, who acted alongside Vijay as the female lead in Varisu, posted moments from the interaction on Instagram, recalling her long-standing admiration for him and his transition from cinema to public service.

"After such a long time, I went to meet Vijay sir," she wrote, and added, "From fangirling over him for longer than I can remember to having the opportunity to work with him to today admiring him for the CM he is, his journey is nothing short of incredible!"

In a post on X, Deverakonda said, "Had the most beautiful time with the dearest Thalapathy @actorvijay sir."

"Even after a long day, he received us with so much love and shared such personal insights into life, work and the world. One meeting and sir is already a favourite. Until next time, my love and respect," he added.

'Ranabaali', which hits theatres on October 16, is the first on-screen collaboration between Deverakonda and Rashmika Mandanna since their wedding earlier this year.

The couple previously shared screen space in 'Geetha Govindam' and 'Dear Comrade'. The film also reunites Deverakonda with director Rahul Sankrityan, following their 2018 film 'Taxiwaala'.

Set in the 1870s, the period action drama has Deverakonda playing the title character, who takes on British colonisers on the battlefield to win justice for his famine-stricken town.

Written by Pramod Tammineni and produced by Mythri Movie Makers, the film is presented by T-Series.

Ajay-Atul have composed the music.

Jishnu Bhattacharjee and Nirav Shah share cinematography credits, with Karthika Srinivas R as editor. National Award winner Archana Rao is the costume designer, and Vithal Kosanam the art director. The action sequences have been choreographed by Yannick Ben and Andy Long Nguyen.

'Ranabaali' is Deverakonda’s third film with Mythri Movie Makers, after 'Dear Comrade' and 'Kushi'.