Ranabaali Producer Ravi Shankar Defends Vijay Deverakonda

Actor Vijay Deverakonda faces manufactured social media negativity regarding his upcoming period action drama Ranabaali, prompting producer Ravi Shankar of Mythri Movie Makers to defend the lead actor at an event in Hyderabad.

Producer Defends Lead Actor Against Social Media Attacks

As Ranabaali prepares for its theatrical release on October 16, 2026, producer Ravi Shankar has publicly appealed to social media users to halt online campaigns targeting Vijay Deverakonda. Speaking at the trailer launch of the film, Shankar stated that he has known the actor for nearly a decade and described him as having an extraordinary character. The producer urged critics to evaluate the film and the actor’s efforts fairly rather than spreading hostility.

He is such a good man. Why do you need to do this? See his effort instead, Shankar told the audience, noting that he has never witnessed the actor speak ill of anyone.

Whatever negativity you have against him in your heart, please get rid of it, Shankar added. Praising the lead star, the producer stated, VIJAY is one of the GOOD & SWEETEST ACTOR we’ve known in the past 10 years of travelling with him. There is unnecessary negativity, propaganda being created around him these days…

Vijay Deverakonda Calls Online Backlash Artificial

Vijay Deverakonda addressed the persistent criticism in a separate interview on Keerthika Govindhasamy’s YouTube channel, maintaining that the hostility surrounding his public appearances and professional choices lacks organic foundation. The actor characterized approximately 90 percent of the online backlash as artificial, pointing to coordinated efforts where accounts simultaneously favor competing projects. The period drama directed by Rahul Sankrityan is scheduled to compete at the box office with the Rajinikanth-starrer Jailer 2, which releases one day earlier on October 15, 2026.

Deverakonda questioned how individuals who have never met him can hold such strong opinions about his personality. The actor suggested that current paid, coordinated attacks precede automated negativity powered by artificial intelligence.

Ranabaali Depicts Warrior Fighting British Colonial Oppression

Ranabaali features Vijay Deverakonda as a rebellious warrior fighting against British colonial oppression, alongside Rashmika Mandanna, who plays his wife, Jayamma. Shankar voiced frustration over social media users questioning audience interest in a narrative centered on the struggles of the British colonial era before the trailer’s release. The film arrives in theatres on October 16, 2026.

Disclaimer: The views and cultural analyses presented in this article are for informational and entertainment purposes only. Information regarding legal disputes or financial data is based on available public records.