Ranabaali X reviews: Vijay Deverakonda's film disappoints, viewers slam slow pace

Vijay Deverakonda and Rashmika Mandanna's Ranabaali has received a largely negative response from viewers on X, with several early reviews criticising its sluggish narration, poorly executed sequences and disappointing second half. While one viewer praised director Rahul Sankrityan's storytelling and the lead actor's screen presence, the majority of the reactions shared so far have been harsh, with some viewers even advising audiences to save their time and money.The period action drama, which released in theatres on October 16, had generated considerable buzz around the lead pair's reunion. However, the initial audience reactions suggest that the film's execution has left several viewers disappointed.Viewers slam RanabaaliThe film's pacing has emerged as one of the biggest points of criticism. Several viewers complained that the first half moved too slowly, while the second half failed to make up for the sluggish start.One viewer, who had watched only the first half, wrote that Jayamma's track was the only watchable portion, adding that the rest was difficult to sit through. The user also described the narration as “dead slow” and expressed concern about sitting through the second half. Another viewer was equally unimpressed, writing that the first half was slow, and the second half offered little improvement. The user also criticised the execution of the British sequence and felt that even the climax dragged.The criticism was not limited to the film's pacing. Some viewers questioned the overall storytelling and felt that the hype surrounding the film had not translated into a satisfying theatrical experience. “Movie bokka money bokka,” one user wrote in a blunt one-line review, expressing disappointment with the film.Another viewer questioned the confidence with which Vijay Deverakonda and Rashmika Mandanna had promoted the film, calling it an utter disappointment and advising people against spending their time and money on it.One particularly critical review gave the film a rating of 1.3 out of 5, describing Vijay Deverakonda as its only positive while criticising the British portions and the slow climax.#ranabaali The first half is very slow. The second half is just the same. The British sequence is poorly executed. The only positive is Vijay Deverakonda, but the climax is slow. Another failure for Vijay Deverakonda is certain 1.3/5 #vijaydevarakonda #rashmikamandanna https://t.co/MHZNMrgzrx— YaSh BLR (@Bazzar90) October 16, 2026Vijay Deverakonda gets some support amid criticismDespite the largely negative response, a few viewers have found reasons to appreciate the film, particularly Deverakonda's performance.“It's VD show,” one viewer wrote, praising the actor's screen presence. Another review described his introduction as terrific and said he owned the screen, while also appreciating the scenes featuring him and Rashmika.That viewer, however, acknowledged that the pacing dipped in places, even while praising the interval and climax. Another post urged audiences not to believe negative reviews and to watch the film in theatres, though the user admitted that the second half lagged and the background score could have been better.Meanwhile, a viewer who said they were not even a Deverakonda fan expressed sympathy for the actor amid the criticism, writing, “I'm not even your fanboy but you don't deserve all this hatred mann.hope you deliver your worth soon.”Nevertheless, these positive reactions remain in the minority among the posts shared so far, with slow narration and execution dominating the early online conversation.About RanabaaliRanabaali stars Vijay Deverakonda and Rashmika Mandanna, with Rahul Sankrityan directing the period action drama. Set against the backdrop of British colonial rule in India, the film explores a turbulent historical period through its central characters. Arnold Vosloo also features in the cast.The film marks another collaboration between Deverakonda, Mandanna and Sankrityan after their earlier work together in Dear Comrade?- Ends