Kochi: A new star seems to have emerged in Malayalam cinema, as actress Raniya Raanaa captures the attention of audiences and critics alike with her debut performance in Dileep’s latest film, Prince And Family. Directed by Binto Stephen, the family drama released in theatres on May 9 and opened to a strong response. While the film itself has been appreciated for its storyline and performances, it is the debutante heroine who has become the talking point after her impactful portrayal of Chinju Rani.
A Role That Defied Stereotypes
Raniya Raanaa played the role of Chinju Rani, Dileep’s on-screen wife and a social media creator whose life takes a dramatic turn after she becomes consumed by the fast-changing world of online trends. Unlike the glamorous and one-dimensional roles usually offered to debut actresses, Chinju Rani was written with complexity and shades of grey.
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Raniya’s character evolves from being a trend-obsessed influencer to a woman grappling with regret, a transformation that required both emotional depth and range. Viewers and critics have highlighted how convincingly she handled the character’s vulnerability as well as her flaws. For a newcomer, stepping into such a layered role was a challenge—but Raniya managed to stand out, proving that she is here to stay.
Who Is Raniya Raanaa?
Outside the world of cinema, Raniya Raanaa is a trained classical dancer with years of discipline and performance experience behind her. She is also a member of the International Dance Council, UNESCO CID Paris, a rare achievement for someone at the start of their acting career.
Her artistic interests extend beyond dance. Raniya has trained in playing the violin and veena, and is also a singer. Speaking about her upbringing, she credited her family for encouraging her to pursue the arts without hesitation. “There was never any difficulty from my parents in letting me walk this path of art,” she said in an interview with EVT Bharat. The youngest of three sisters, Raniya grew up in an environment that nurtured creativity, something that clearly shines through in her performances.
The Physical Transformation Behind Chinju Rani
Perhaps one of the most striking aspects of Raniya’s debut was the effort she put into physically transforming herself for the role. According to reports, she was asked by the makers to look chubbier to suit the character’s profile. For this, she is said to have gained as much as 62 kilograms during the filming period.
As a classical dancer, Raniya had always been used to rigorous physical training, often working out between two to five hours daily. However, once she was confirmed for the role in the last week of March 2024, she had to make a drastic change. “I completely stopped physical workouts until the final schedule wrapped in November 2024,” she recalled.
She also mentioned a conversation with writer Sharis Mohammed, who believed that her naturally sharp features needed to be “softened” for the part. This commitment to transformation, both physically and emotionally, has been noted as one of the reasons her performance struck a chord with audiences.
The Journey to Prince And Family
Raniya Raanaa’s casting in Prince And Family came through a fairly straightforward process—an open audition. For the actress, who was already familiar with rejections and setbacks, it was just another chance to try her luck.
“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,” she shared.
That calm attitude, according to her, may have worked in her favour. When she was eventually selected to play Chinju Rani, Raniya described the moment as destiny. “I realised something: if we truly desire something with all our heart, the universe will make sure we receive it,” she said.
Rising Popularity After Release
Since the release of Prince And Family, Raniya’s popularity has surged. Social media is abuzz with praise for her performance, and industry insiders have taken note of her screen presence. Many viewers have also lauded her courage to take on a debut role that was far from conventional, pointing out that her willingness to embrace complexity rather than glamour makes her stand out from other newcomers.
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Film analysts believe that Raniya’s arrival signals a refreshing change in Malayalam cinema, where strong female characters are being written with increasing frequency. Her readiness to commit to challenging roles, both in terms of acting and physical transformation, has already marked her as an actress to watch out for in the future.
What Lies Ahead for Raniya Raanaa?
While Prince And Family is just the beginning, the actress has hinted at a desire to continue exploring characters that challenge her as a performer. With her background in classical arts and her demonstrated commitment to authenticity, she has a strong foundation to build a long career in cinema.
For now, Raniya Raanaa is basking in the success of her first film and the recognition it has brought her. As Malayalam cinema continues to welcome fresh talent, she represents the blend of discipline, talent, and determination that audiences love to see on screen.
Conclusion
Raniya Raanaa’s debut in Prince And Family is more than just a successful entry into films—it is a statement that newcomers do not have to stick to formulaic roles to make an impact. With her classical training, artistic background, and fearless approach to acting, she has quickly risen to become one of the most talked-about fresh faces in the industry.
At a time when audiences are demanding authenticity and depth in storytelling, Raniya’s performance has struck the right chord. And if the buzz around her debut is any indication, this is only the beginning of a promising journey in cinema.
