Ranabaali is taking its promotions beyond the usual posters, songs and glimpses with its new Never Forget: The Truth Series. The first chapter, The Famine We Forgot, takes a closer look at one of the most devastating chapters connected to the British colonial period, bringing attention to a part of history that the makers feel has not received enough discussion.
Director Rahul Sankrityan points out that Indian cinema has explored British rule and colonial history through several films, but the famine that happened during the same period has rarely been placed at the centre of the conversation. Speaking in the documentary, Rahul refers to the Great Madras Famine of 1876-78 and says that nearly one crore Indians were wiped out during this period, highlighting the enormous human cost of the famine.
Rashmika Mandanna also speaks about the emotional weight of the story and the sacrifices made by the people who lived through those circumstances. She describes the pain they went through and says that exploring these events brings the team one step closer to history.
Vijay Deverakonda addresses another disturbing aspect of the period, pointing out that Indians were facing starvation while grains were being exported. Through his words, the actor says the film and its documentary series are also a way of paying homage to the people who suffered during that period.
The episode also gives audiences a glimpse into the extensive research behind Ranabaali. Rahul Sankrityan speaks about the amount of research that went into discovering the historical material that forms the foundation of the film. The documentary combines these discussions with behind-the-scenes footage from the making of Ranabaali, offering glimpses of the team recreating the period, characters and world of the film.
The Famine We Forgot is the first of four chapters in the Never Forget: The Truth Series. The next chapter, The History We Forgot, is scheduled for September 30, followed by The Men We Forgot on October 2. The final chapter, The Last Load, will be announced later.
Directed by Rahul Sankrityan, Ranabaali stars Vijay Deverakonda and Rashmika Mandanna and is set against the backdrop of British India. The film is scheduled to release worldwide on October 16, 2026.