Vijay Deverakonda, Rashmika Mandanna Meet Tamil Nadu CM Thalapathy Vijay Ahead Of ‘Ranabaali’ Release. See Pics
Vijay Deverakonda and Rashmika Mandanna met Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Thalapathy Vijay in Chennai, sharing warm pictures from their memorable interaction.
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Chennai is buzzing with star power this week! Celebrity couple Vijay Deverakonda and Rashmika Mandanna are currently in the city for a high-octane promotional run. The duo is gearing up for their highly anticipated period action drama, ‘Ranabaali’, which marks their first time working together on screen since their wedding. Amidst their busy schedule, the couple took a moment to meet with Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and superstar, Joseph Vijay.
The meeting has left quite an impression on the Telugu star. Following his monumental electoral victory and shift from a decades-long cinema career into politics, the Chief Minister still made time for the ‘Ranabaali’ pair despite his heavy administrative workload. Taking to Instagram, Vijay Deverakonda shared photos of the relaxed rendezvous – including one capturing a warm embrace with Thalapathy Vijay.
Vijay penned a heartfelt note about the experience, stating: "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. Vijay Deverakonda."
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This newfound admiration is especially interesting given Vijay Deverakonda's candid past comments. Back in 2018, he admitted he had never watched a full Thalapathy Vijay film – though he liked the trailers – and once explained that he would prefer not to share screen space with the superstar because "the entire movie will be about them."
For Rashmika Mandanna, the reunion was a nostalgic one. She previously co-starred with Thalapathy Vijay in the 2023 hit ‘Varisu’ (released as Vaarasudu in Telugu), which was directed by Vamshi Paidipally and backed by Dil Raju and Sirish. Sharing her own glimpses from the meet, Rashmika wrote: "After such a long time, went to meet @actorvijay sir. From fangirling him for longer than I can remember to having the opportunity to work with sir to today admiring him for the Chief Minister he is! His journey is nothing short of incredible! Biggest love and best wishes to you always sir!"
The couple is currently riding a wave of massive hype for ‘Ranabaali’, their third collaborative project following the blockbuster successes of ‘Geetha Govindam’ (2018) and ‘Dear Comrade’ (2019). Directed by Rahul Sankrityan (who previously directed Vijay in ‘Taxiwaala’), the film is produced by Mythri Movie Makers and T-Series, featuring a soaring musical score by Ajay-Atul.
Set in the 1870s against the harrowing backdrop of the Great Madras Famine of 1876-78, ‘Ranabaali’ promises to be a visual spectacle. Recently, a 3-minute and 47-second trailer dropped, introducing audiences to the film's rural Rayalaseema setting and its central conflict. The story follows a folkloric warrior's uprising against British colonial rule and its exploitative grain and tax policies.
Vijay Deverakonda stars as Singanamala Bobbili Ranabaali, a fierce horseman and fighter from the fictional village of Singanamala, while Rashmika takes on the role of his wife, Jayamma. Hollywood actor Arnold Vosloo (‘The Mummy’) also stars, playing the formidable British commissioner, Sir Theodore Hector.
Fans won't have to wait much longer to see the husband-wife duo back in action. ‘Ranabaali’ hits cinemas on October 16, 2026, with a massive pan-India release in Telugu, Hindi, Tamil, Kannada, and Malayalam. In what is shaping up to be a legendary box office clash, the period drama will go head-to-head with Nelson Dilipkumar and Rajinikanth's highly awaited ‘Jailer 2’.
