Kochi: Newcomer Raniya Raanaa has emerged as one of the most talked-about fresh faces in Malayalam cinema after her debut in Dileep’s latest film Prince And Family. The movie, directed by Binto Stephen, hit theatres on May 9 and has received a strong response from both critics and audiences. While the film itself has been praised for its family-centric storyline, it is Raniya’s performance that has taken many by surprise.
A Breakthrough Debut
In Prince And Family, Raniya plays Chinju Rani, the wife of Dileep’s character. Her on-screen persona is that of a social media influencer, a woman whose life is shaped—and eventually disrupted—by the fleeting nature of online trends.
What makes this debut remarkable is that the role carries shades of grey, unlike the traditionally safe, glamorous, or light-hearted characters often given to newcomers. Raniya’s Chinju Rani is at first shown as a lively, trend-driven personality who is deeply attached to her online fame. As the story unfolds, the same character spirals into self-doubt and regret, reflecting the emotional toll of chasing relevance on social platforms.
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Critics have noted that the actress brought authenticity and depth to the performance. The arc from a confident influencer to a regretful individual allowed Raniya to showcase a wide range of emotions—something rarely entrusted to a first-time performer.
Who Is Raniya Raanaa?
Behind the actress is a young woman deeply rooted in the arts. Raniya Raanaa is a trained classical dancer and a proud member of the International Dance Council, UNESCO CID Paris. Dance has been central to her life since childhood, and her training has instilled a strong sense of discipline and stage presence—qualities that seem to have seamlessly translated into her acting.
Apart from dance, she is also trained in violin, veena, and vocal music, making her a complete performing artist. Her family’s encouragement has played a key role in her artistic journey. Speaking to EVT Bharat, Raniya said, “There was never any difficulty from my parents in letting me walk this path of art.” The actress is the youngest of three sisters and credits her supportive upbringing for allowing her to explore multiple art forms before transitioning to cinema.
A Stunning Physical Transformation
One of the most talked-about aspects of Raniya’s debut is the physical transformation she underwent to play Chinju Rani convincingly. According to reports, the actress gained 62 kilograms to match the director’s vision for the character.
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Known for her strict fitness regime as a classical dancer, Raniya had been accustomed to working out two to five hours a day. However, when she received confirmation for the role in March 2024, she dramatically changed her routine. “I completely stopped physical workouts until the final schedule wrapped in November 2024,” she revealed in an interview.
She also recalled an interaction with writer Sharis Mohammed, who told her that her naturally sharp features needed to be “softened” for the film. This advice led her to embrace the transformation fully, underscoring her dedication to her craft.
The Audition That Changed Her Life
Interestingly, Raniya did not enter the audition room with expectations of landing the role. She approached it with a sense of calm and detachment.
“There was a call for an audition for Prince And Family. I wasn’t afraid because I was used to getting opportunities and losing them. I went to the audition completely relaxed. I had nothing to lose. That attitude, maybe, is what brought me luck,” she said.
When she was finally selected to play Chinju Rani, Raniya described the moment as destiny at work. “I realised something: if we truly desire something with all our heart, the universe will make sure we receive it,” she added.
Industry and Audience Response
The Malayalam film industry has taken note of Raniya’s impactful debut. Industry watchers have pointed out that such a layered role for a newcomer is rare, and the fact that she managed to pull it off has set her apart from her peers.
Audiences too have been vocal on social media, showering praise on the actress. Many fans have highlighted how she effortlessly matched Dileep’s screen presence, despite being a newcomer, and carried her role with confidence. Some have even called her one of the most promising faces to watch out for in Malayalam cinema.
A Promising Future
While Prince And Family marks only her debut, Raniya Raanaa’s journey so far reflects a mix of talent, discipline, and determination. Her background in classical dance and music gives her a strong artistic foundation, while her willingness to transform physically for her character demonstrates a rare level of commitment.
For a first-time actress, handling a complex role with grey shades is no easy task, yet Raniya managed to win over both critics and audiences. As the industry looks forward to seeing more of her on screen, it is clear that she has made a mark that extends far beyond a debut performance.
