Ranabaali documentary episode reveals the Rayalaseema warriors behind the film

Ranabaali, the period action drama starring Vijay Deverakonda and Rashmika Mandanna, has added a new chapter to its promotional campaign ahead of its October 16 release. Director Rahul Sankrityan has put out the third episode of a four part documentary series on YouTube. Titled The Men We Forgot, it looks at the history behind the world of the film.

In the new episode, Rahul talks about the Rayalaseema warriors who shaped the film's title character. He names Budda Vengal Reddy, Uyyalawada Narasimha Reddy and Gadekal Bobbili Nagireddy, and says their courage, resilience and commitment to their people fed directly into the central hero. He also notes that stories of the region's Palegars still live on through folk ballads and oral histories in villages.

The director reportedly traces the start of his research to the story of Gadekal Bobbili Nagireddy, whose legend helped him conceive Ranabaali. Accounts of the famine era also played a part, including Budda Vengal Reddy's efforts to feed and support starving people. Historical records also point to Narasimha Reddy's revolt against Company rule. The film is set against a colonial backdrop and deals with oppression, resistance and histories that have slipped from memory.

T-Series presents the film, with Naveen Yerneni and Y. Ravi Shankar producing under the Mythri Movie Makers banner. It is set for a worldwide release during the Dasara holiday. A fourth and final episode, The Last Load, is expected to be announced soon.

The campaign comes at a key moment for the team. Reports say the buzz around Ranabaali has not yet matched the huge hype that carried Nani and Srikanth Odela's The Paradise through its opening days, even after that film drew negative word of mouth. Curiosity is reportedly strong, though, as audiences want to see what Vijay has attempted this time, and the teaser, posters and Rashmika's look have kept the film in conversation.

Films now earn most of their theatrical business in the first week or two, so the trailer is expected to give the biggest push. A strong trailer and positive talk could turn the Dasara window into a big opportunity for the lead pair.