Vijay Deverakonda and Rashmika Mandanna’s period action drama ‘Ranabaali’ arrived in theatres on October 16, 2026, amid mixed audience reactions. While the film has received appreciation for its visual scale, production design and lead pair’s on-screen chemistry, its background score has emerged as one of the points of criticism. Now, the makers have issued fresh audio guidelines, asking distributors to instruct theatres to increase the sound levels for a more immersive cinematic experience.
‘Ranabaali’ makers ask theatres to increase sound levels
The production house took to X to inform distributors that the existing sound setting might not deliver the intended theatrical impact. It requested them to coordinate with theatres and ensure the film is screened at higher audio levels.In its statement, the production house wrote, “It has been reported that the sound output at level 5.6 is not optimal for the best theatrical experience. To ensure audiences enjoy the film with the intended sound impact and an immersive cinematic experience, all distributors are requested to inform the respective theatres to increase the sound levels to 6 or 6.6 and screen the film at these levels.”The statement concluded by thanking distributors for their cooperation in ensuring the best possible theatrical experience.The announcement comes as some viewers have raised concerns about the background score composed by Ajay-Atul, particularly its impact during the film’s action-heavy sequences and dramatic elevation moments.
‘Ranabaali’ early reactions: Background score and pacing face criticism
The background score has featured prominently in early audience reactions, with some viewers and critics feeling that the music does not deliver the expected intensity during key action sequences. The makers’ latest announcement has drawn attention to the film’s theatrical sound presentation, although it does not establish that the audio settings alone account for the criticism.The film’s pacing has also divided audiences, with some viewers pointing to the second half as an area of concern. The depiction of British colonial atrocities and the extreme suffering endured by the characters has also been described by some as emotionally exhausting.Despite these criticisms, the relationship between Vijay Deverakonda’s Ranabaali and Rashmika Mandanna’s Jayamma has received appreciation. The film’s visual presentation, production design and ambitious scale have also emerged as positives among early viewers.
What is ‘Ranabaali’ about?
Directed by Rahul Sankrityan, Ranabaali is a period action drama set during British colonial rule, against the backdrop of the Great Madras Famine of 1876–1878. The film explores the hardships faced by people in Rayalaseema and follows a man who rises against colonial exploitation.Vijay Deverakonda plays the titular character, Ranabaali, while Rashmika Mandanna portrays Jayamma. Hollywood actor Arnold Vosloo, best known for playing Imhotep in The Mummy, features as the antagonist, Sir Theodore Hector.