Producer Ravi Shankar of Mythri Movie Makers made an open appeal during a public event to stop online attacks against lead actor Vijay Deverakonda ahead of the release of their upcoming period action film Ranabaali. Directed by Rahul Sankrityan and co-starring Rashmika Mandanna, the movie is scheduled to hit theaters on October 16.
Speaking at the trailer launch event, Ravi addressed the constant negativity directed at the actor online. Having known Deverakonda for nearly a decade, the producer described him as an exceptionally kind and soft-spoken person who is entirely dedicated to his craft and cinema. He urged individuals holding negative sentiments to clear their hearts and focus instead on the hard work put into the project, while acknowledging that audiences are always entitled to their opinions about the quality of a film.
Ravi specifically called out a social media account that had prematurely criticized the film's premise centered around British colonial rule even before the trailer was released. He pleaded with the public to approach the film and its lead actor with a positive mindset, expressing confidence that viewers would ultimately change their perspective.
In contrast, Vijay Deverakonda took a more detached stance regarding the persistent trolling he and co-star Rashmika Mandanna face online. Pointing out that prominent figures such as Prime Minister Narendra Modi, superstar Rajinikanth, and even Mahatma Gandhi frequently face online criticism, the actor questioned why he should allow internet trolls to bother him.
Addressing the movie's box office competition, which includes a clash with Nelson Dilipkumar's Rajinikanth-starrer Jailer 2 releasing on October 15, Vijay characterized the hate campaign against him as manufactured and paid. He wryly suggested that those who currently pay trolls might eventually replace them with artificial intelligence.