Rashmika Mandanna expresses admiration for husband Vijay Deverakonda ahead of Ranabaali release

Ahead of the worldwide release of the much-anticipated period drama 'Ranabaali', actress Rashmika Mandanna has spoken candidly about her professional admiration for her husband and co-star, Vijay Deverakonda. During the film's pre-release event, the actress noted that their marriage has not altered the high regard she holds for his performances, admitting that she still experiences a sense of excitement similar to that of a devoted fan when watching his work.Addressing the audience and her husband directly at the event, Mandanna remarked that she does not feel the conventional trappings of being married while working alongside him. Instead, she described feeling like a "fangirl" as she prepares to see his portrayal in the film. She openly declared herself a significant admirer of his acting prowess, a sentiment she has maintained throughout their professional association. This mutual respect serves as a backdrop to their latest cinematic collaboration, which both actors have described as a major project for their careers.In 'Ranabaali', the narrative follows a rebellious warrior, played by Deverakonda, who stands up to a British commissioner to protect his community. Mandanna portrays the character of Jayamma, the protagonist's wife and a fellow participant in the rebellion. The actress revealed that her role was particularly meaningful to her, noting that the character’s name was inspired by the mother of the film’s director, Rahul Sankrityan. She expressed confidence that the character of Jayamma is one that will leave a lasting impression on the audience long after the movie concludes.The production features a notable international collaboration, with Hollywood actor Arnold Vosloo, known for his prominent role in the 'The Mummy' franchise, appearing as the primary antagonist. Mandanna recalled her time spent on the film's sets, reflecting on the intense atmosphere created by the crew. She mentioned feeling a sense of nervousness while observing the deep commitment and seriousness the team brought to the production, particularly when witnessing Deverakonda’s transformative performance.Deverakonda’s appearance in the film is specifically noteworthy, with Mandanna highlighting her excitement to see him in a rugged, intense avatar, complete with a distinctive moustached look that commands a strong screen presence. She noted that seeing this level of dedication during the shooting process helped solidify her belief in the project’s significance for both of them as performers.As the countdown to the film's release begins, the production team has been actively promoting the narrative as a powerful story of partnership and defiance. With the global launch scheduled for October 16, 2026, the film is poised to draw significant attention, bolstered by the star power of its leads and the addition of an international antagonist.Mandanna concluded her remarks at the event by wishing the entire team luck and encouraging fans to look forward to the cinematic experience. By balancing their personal relationship with their roles as co-rebels in the storyline, both actors have framed 'Ranabaali' as a cornerstone project that demands both individual intensity and collaborative effort. The film remains one of the highly anticipated releases of the year, marking a distinct shift in genre for its lead performers as they take on roles centered on historical and revolutionary themes.