Nani Responds to The Paradise Reactions
Telugu star Nani has broken his silence on the mixed reception surrounding his latest film, The Paradise, taking both the praise and criticism in his stride.
The Srikanth Odela-directed period action drama opened worldwide on September 24, 2026, following paid premieres a day earlier. While the film delivered the biggest opening of Nani’s career, its reception among critics and audiences has been divided.
A day after its theatrical release, Nani shared a note acknowledging the range of reactions the film had generated.
“I have seen all your reactions and responses. I’ve received all your love and equally enjoyed your hilarious trolls.”
He added that he was encouraged by audiences embracing the film while also learning from shortcomings highlighted in reviews.
‘Learnt From the Flaws Critics Pointed Out’
Rather than dismissing negative reviews, Nani explicitly acknowledged them.
In his statement, the actor said he had “learnt from the flaws” identified by critics and reviewers, while thanking viewers for their response to the film.
Nani also underlined the work that went into the production, saying the team made The Paradise with considerable “blood and sweat” in an effort to deliver a distinctive theatrical experience. He added that once released, the movie belonged to audiences to “celebrate or judge.”
The response is particularly notable because The Paradise has generated unusually polarised discussion online, with reactions ranging from strong praise for Nani’s performance, action and visuals to criticism of the screenplay and second-half narration.
Strong Opening, but Reviews Remain Divided
Commercially, The Paradise began its theatrical run on a strong note.
Cinema Express reported that the film grossed nearly ₹75 crore worldwide on its opening day, describing it as the biggest opening of Nani’s career.
Box-office figures reported during a film’s initial run can vary between trade trackers because of differences in methodology and the timing of updates, so early estimates should be treated as provisional rather than final audited totals.
Critical response has been less uniform.
SCREEN/The Indian Express rated the film 2 out of 5, praising Nani’s physical transformation and commitment while criticising elements of Srikanth Odela’s screenplay.
Early social-media reactions similarly ranged from enthusiastic praise to strong criticism, particularly around the screenplay, editing and second half.
What Is The Paradise About?
The Paradise reunites Nani with director Srikanth Odela after Dasara.
Before the release, Nani described the film’s story as entirely fictional. It takes place in a fictional location called Paradise and follows a community called the Savaris, whose members struggle for identity and recognition. The story is set around 1984-85, according to Nani.
Nani plays Jadal, a character whose distinctive long-braided appearance became a major part of the film’s promotional imagery.
The actor previously explained that the look emerged from the story rather than being created simply as a visual gimmick. He also described the movie as the most challenging action project of his career.
Mother-Son Relationship at the Heart of the Film
Although The Paradise was marketed heavily through its action-heavy imagery, Nani said before release that its emotional foundation is the relationship between a mother and her son.
Sonali Kulkarni plays Jadal’s mother.
According to Nani, the film begins and ends with the mother’s emotional journey, making that relationship an important element beneath its violent and large-scale action setting.
The cast also includes Mohan Babu, Kayadu Lohar and Raghav Juyal. Nani had said before release that Mohan Babu plays an unusually negative and brutal character, while Kayadu Lohar’s Subbalakshmi has an important emotional arc.
Nani Had Earlier Defended Genuine Criticism
Nani’s willingness to acknowledge reviews is also significant in light of a controversy that emerged shortly before the movie’s release.
A Bengaluru court had granted interim protection against circulation of specific online content alleged to be false and defamatory about The Paradise. The development prompted questions online over whether the legal action could affect reviews.
Nani subsequently clarified that, according to his understanding of the matter, the action concerned allegedly targeted AI-generated or bot-driven content and was not intended to prevent genuine movie reviews, audience reactions or criticism.
His post-release acknowledgement of both criticism and trolling reinforces that distinction: criticism from reviewers and audiences is being treated separately from the specific content covered by the legal dispute.
A High-Stakes Film for Nani and Srikanth Odela
The Paradise is the highest-budget film of Nani’s career, according to the actor’s pre-release interview with Cinema Express. It is produced by Cherukuri Sudhakar under SLV Cinemas.
The project also reunites Nani with composer Anirudh Ravichander, following their work together on Jersey and Gang Leader.
Nani praised Anirudh’s background score ahead of release and described the collaboration between the composer and director Srikanth Odela as a major element of the film.
With the movie now in theatres, its strong opening and polarised reception have created two distinct narratives: commercial interest on one side and an ongoing debate over the film’s creative execution on the other.
Nani’s response suggests he is embracing both sides of that conversation—thanking those who connected with The Paradise while acknowledging that criticism can offer lessons for future work.
Source
Primary source: Nani’s public statement following the release of The Paradise, as reported by Hindustan Times, India Today and Cinema Express on September 25, 2026.
Additional context: Cinema Express, The Indian Express and Mint for Nani’s pre-release comments, critical response and early audience reaction.
