Director Rahul Sankrityan has firmly dismissed claims that the teaser of his upcoming film Ranabaali was created using artificial intelligence, clarifying that every frame was crafted through traditional filmmaking methods. The clarification came after a social media post praising the teaser suggested that it was “largely created using AI,” sparking widespread discussion online.

Ranabaali teaser not AI-generated, clarifies director Rahul Sankrityan after viral claim

The post, which lauded the visual impact of the Ranabaali glimpse unveiled on January 26, read, “#Ranabaali glimpse is sensational. Largely created using AI, it highlights key aspects of the pre-Independence era, exposing how the British plundered India’s wealth and carried out genocide.” Responding directly to the claim, Rahul Sankrityan was quick to set the record straight. In his reply, he stated, “Thank you @idlebrainjeevi garu. But AI was not used, every frame was worked in older ways- invested months of time.”

Thank you @idlebrainjeevi garu 🙏🏻.
But AI was not used, every frame was worked in older ways- invested months of time. https://t.co/fXQpLHJKAZ

— Rahul Sankrityan (@Rahul_Sankrityn) January 26, 2026

His response has been widely shared, with many appreciating the filmmaker’s emphasis on painstaking manual effort and traditional visual storytelling at a time when AI-generated content is increasingly common. The clarification has also added to the intrigue surrounding Ranabaali, which is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated Telugu films currently in development.

Ranabaali, tentatively titled VD14, stars Vijay Deverakonda and Rashmika Mandanna in the lead roles and is produced by Mythri Movie Makers, the banner behind the blockbuster Pushpa franchise. The makers have locked Republic Day for the film’s official title reveal, a move that has fueled speculation about a strong thematic or symbolic link between the narrative and the significance of the date.

Ahead of the announcement, the team unveiled a striking poster featuring a bird’s-eye view of people walking across a barren landscape, setting a haunting and mysterious tone. The text on the poster — “The LEGEND of the CURSED LAND gets a NAME ON 26.1.26” — has further heightened curiosity about the film’s subject and scale.

Adding to the excitement is the reunion of Vijay Deverakonda and Rashmika Mandanna, who previously won hearts with their chemistry in Geetha Govindam and Dear Comrade. Their return as an on-screen pair has only amplified fan anticipation.

With Rahul Sankrityan’s clarification putting the AI debate to rest, focus now firmly shifts to the Republic Day reveal, which is expected to offer a clearer glimpse into the world and ambition of Ranabaali.

Also Read: VD14: Makers of Vijay Deverakonda starrer tease title-reveal on Republic Day with mysterious new poster