Vijay Deverakonda and Rashmika Mandanna met Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay in Chennai during promotions for their upcoming period drama Ranabaali. The actors posted photographs from the meeting and praised the chief minister ahead of the film’s October 16 release.

Ranabaali Pair Meets Tamil Nadu Chief Minister

The actors were in Chennai to promote Ranabaali, directed by Rahul Sankrityan. Despite his busy administrative schedule, Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay made time to meet them and extend his wishes for the film. For Vijay Deverakonda, it was his first meeting with the leader, popularly known as Thalapathy Vijay.

After the visit, Deverakonda shared photographs on X and described the interaction as memorable. He said the chief minister welcomed them warmly and shared personal thoughts about life, work and the world. “One meeting and sir is already a favourite,” the actor wrote, expressing his admiration and respect.

Rashmika Recalls Her Varisu Connection

Rashmika also praised Joseph Vijay. She previously starred opposite him in the Tamil film Varisu, and her post reflected on the journey from admiring him as a fan to working with him and now seeing him serve as chief minister. The meeting brought together her connection with the actor and her respect for his current public role.

Ranabaali Reunites the Actors After Their Wedding

Ranabaali is the first film release featuring Vijay Deverakonda and Rashmika Mandanna as a married couple. They have acted together before, including in Geetha Govindam and Dear Comrade, so this is a reunion rather than their first collaboration. Their new film is set against the Great Madras Famine of 1876–78.

A Period Drama Set During the Great Madras Famine

The story follows a folkloric warrior and his village as they resist British colonial rule and exploitative tax and grain policies. Produced by Mythri Movie Makers, the film is set to open in Tamil Nadu on October 16, where it will face competition from Rajinikanth’s Jailer 2. The Chennai meeting has added a promotional highlight ahead of the release, while the film’s historical setting and reunion of its lead actors are expected to draw audience interest.