Ranabaali X Review: 'Tiresome Second-Half, Dragged'; Vijay Deverakonda-Rashmika Mandanna's Film Gets Mixed Reviews, But Their Chemistry Wins Hearts
· Free Press Journal

Ranabaali, the Telugu-language period action drama starring Vijay Deverakonda and Rashmika Mandanna, hit theaters on Friday, October 16. The film has drawn mixed reactions from audiences, with several viewers taking to X (formerly Twitter) to share their initial reviews. While some criticised the film's pacing, screenplay and second half, Vijay and Rashmika’s on-screen chemistry and performances emerged as highlights for several viewers.
Ranabaali X Review
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Several viewers expressed disappointment with the film’s narration and lengthy runtime, with some describing the second half as tiresome. One user wrote, "Tiresome 2nd half follows..Vijay's efforts wasted..Only Positive when Rashmika on screen!!" The user also criticised Ajay-Atul’s music and the film’s excessive violence, ultimately calling it a forgettable film and rating it 1.5/5.
Another viewer called Ranabaali a failed attempt, criticising its flat narration and dragged screenplay. The user also pointed out that the film could have benefited from trimming around 30 minutes. However, Rashmika’s performance and her command of the Anantapur slang were praised, with "Endayya Saami" singled out as a good song.
Check it out:
Rashmika Mandanna Adopts 400 Families For A Year, Says Ranabaali Character Inspired Her: 'Even Small Acts Of Kindness Can Change...'Done with my show, Tiresome 2nd half follows..Vijay's efforts wasted..Only Postive when Rashmika on screen..!!Ajay-Atul’s music is a big letdown, and there’s too much senseless violence & scenes. Overall, a forgettable film 1.5/5 #Ranabaali
— Peter Reviews (@urstrulyPeter) October 15, 2026
#Ranabaali Review:1/5
— (@DeadBeatReddy) October 15, 2026
BELOW AVG FIRST HALF WITH PRE INTERVAL TO INTERVAL FULL VINTAGE Rowdy
SECOND HALF WORST WORST SCREEN PLAY OF VD ,BIGGEST DRAW BACK'S DIALOGUES AND SCREEN PLAY
CUTE RASHMIKA & VD SCREEN TIME,
RASHMIKA ACTING TOO GOOD,
BELOW AVG FREEDOM FIGHT DRAMA pic.twitter.com/w37tRHFTWb
Just finished the first half… STILL FEELING THAT ADRENALINE RUSH!
— Shiva Warangal (@SkWarangal) October 15, 2026
The pre-interval buildup and that INTERVAL BANG is goosebumps all over, heart racing, blood on FIRE! @TheDeverakonda goes full GOD MODE in the interval scene… that intensity is ABSOLUTELY INSANE!… https://t.co/whJ9Wdv3oo
1st Half ok ok Decent
— Floki (@The_flokiii) October 16, 2026
Second Half VIJAY VISHWARUPAM
Yeah It's an Comeback Film#ranabaali
Despite the mixed responses, Vijay and Rashmika’s on-screen chemistry received appreciation from several viewers. One user wrote, “Vijay and Rashmika scenes on screen too good..chemistry baga workout aindi.”
Another viewer described Rashmika as a major positive, praising her performance and local dialect. Their scenes together appear to have made an impression on audiences, even among those who found fault with the film’s screenplay and pacing.
Rashmika Mandanna, Vijay Deverakonda's Ranabaali Gets U/A Certificate With No Cuts From CBFC: ReportVijay and Rashmika scenes on screen too good..chemistry baga workout aindi❤️❤️❤️#Ranabaali
— Cherry (@Rakhi_hi) October 16, 2026
#RanabaaliReview #Ranabaali
— Tollywood UK (@Tollywooduk) October 15, 2026
Boring first 15 mins, but it gets engaging after Rashmika’s introduction, with the scenes between her and VD being the highlight. The real issue is a flat, boring plot.
+ve:
VD & Rashmika’s performances, interval, Endayya Sami song.
-ve:
plot,music
Ranabaali - A failed attempt.
— Gudumba Satti (@GudumbaSatti) October 16, 2026
Narration is flat and dragged. Runtime is the biggest minus. Easily could've chopped off 30 minutes.
The famine and British rule scenes are uncomfortable to watch.
The story is set in Anantapur, but none of the actors got the local slang right,… https://t.co/BmeTrYSHE7
Painful first half :(
— Peter Reviews (@urstrulyPeter) October 15, 2026
Not even a single block worked. Vijay is doing his best to carry a flat narrative. Hope the second half saves it..!! #Ranabaali
Acting doesn’t mean popping your eyes out of your head. If that’s what you call acting, then honestly, I feel sorry for you. There’s absolutely no expression on his face; all he does is widen his eyes. That’s not acting #ranabaali
— ….. (@foodieriderr) October 15, 2026
What a movie!!!!
— #269 Signing off (@aka_akshayy) October 15, 2026
Right from the story, screenplay @Rahul_Sankrityn nailed it.
The lead pair is so beautiful, on screen chemistry looks so elegant.
Music
Jayamma rocked it as usual!
And #VijayDeverakonda a big hug to you from here. You deserve this ❤️❤️#Ranabaali
#Ranabaali - pre independence era action cinema ki fantasy esi subtle ga mass tho kodthe adhe #Ranabaali RA NIYAKKA. ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐/5
— Uma Shankar Reddy (@Quietlywatchinn) October 15, 2026
Enjoyed watching the film overall. Second half was decent- good felt bit stretched, compared to 1st half which was great. https://t.co/8e6lVzKfLP
Good 1st half and little slow 2nd half with terrific climax
— Teja (@TejaPrabhas03) October 16, 2026
Vd's one man show
Rating: 3/5#Ranabaali https://t.co/hHjjNkwVWK
#Ranabaali One of the worst films in recent times. Absolute torture porn masquerading as cinema. Endless blood, gore and violence against women, children and the poor, with zero empathy for the victims. Dumb villains, mindless heroism and a caricaturish Vijay Deverakonda.
— HitWicket! (@WalkingXception) October 16, 2026
1/5
#Ranabaali Honest Intentions, Patience Testing Execution!
— Venky Reviews (@venkyreviews) October 16, 2026
The director sincerely tries to tell real stories/events set against a beaten to death British backdrop, but the dead slow screenplay and flat narration test your patience. VD-Rashmika’s portions provide some relief and…
About Ranabaali
Directed by Rahul Sankrityan, Ranabaali is set against the backdrop of the Madras famine of 1876–78 and follows a man’s fight to protect his village from British rule. Vijay plays the titular warrior, Singanamala Bobbili Ranabaali, an original composite character inspired by forgotten freedom fighters, while Rashmika portrays his wife, Jayamma.
Ranabaali marks another collaboration between Vijay and Rashmika, who previously starred together in Geetha Govindam and Dear Comrade.