Hyderabad, September 22, 2026
Actor and dancer Raghav Juyal brought an unexpected burst of energy to the pre-release event of Nani’s upcoming film The Paradise in Hyderabad, with his spontaneous dance performances quickly becoming one of the evening’s most widely discussed moments.
Raghav danced to tracks from the film, including “Aaya Sher” and “Yeshanagula,” before getting celebrity anchor Suma Kanakala to join him on stage. Videos of the performances subsequently gained attention across social media.
The light-hearted stage appearance offered audiences a very different side of Raghav from his role in the film: he plays Vikram Maalik, the principal antagonist, in what marks his Telugu cinema debut.
Raghav Juyal Turns Pre-Release Event Into a Dance Show
The Paradise pre-release event was held in Hyderabad on Monday, September 21, with Nani, Kayadu Lohar and other members of the film’s team in attendance.
According to India Today, anchor Suma Kanakala invited Raghav towards the stage as Anirudh Ravichander’s “Aaya Sher” began playing.
Raghav responded with an impromptu performance, bringing his distinctive dance style—including the slow-motion movements for which he has long been known—to the stage. The performance drew loud reactions from those at the venue.
But the dancing did not end there.
When “Yeshanagula” played, Raghav returned to the stage and this time brought Suma Kanakala into the performance. Their spontaneous dance became another highlight of the event and clips from the sequence circulated online afterward.
Nani Calls Raghav a ‘Rockstar and Entertainer’
Raghav’s performance also drew praise from Nani, who spoke warmly about his co-star during the event.
While discussing the actors involved in The Paradise, Nani described Raghav as a “rockstar and entertainer” and indicated that audiences would see another side of his performance in the film.
Nani has also praised Raghav’s work on the film before the pre-release event.
In an earlier interaction, he said he had been impressed by Raghav’s performance in the 2024 Hindi action film Kill. Nani also praised Raghav’s preparation for The Paradise, particularly his effort with Telugu dialogues.
That context makes the viral dance moment particularly notable: while audiences are familiar with Raghav as a dancer and entertainer, The Paradise is positioning him in a substantially darker acting role.
Raghav Juyal Plays Vikram Maalik in The Paradise
Raghav plays Vikram Maalik, the primary antagonist in The Paradise.
The film marks his debut in Telugu cinema and follows the wider attention he received for playing the villain Fani in Kill.
His casting also represents another step in Raghav’s transition from a performer widely associated with dance and television hosting to more substantial acting roles.
Nani previously revealed that he had seen Raghav in Kill before they worked together and credited director Srikanth Odela with considering him for The Paradise.
From Slow-Motion Dance to a Dark Screen Character
Raghav first became widely recognised through his distinctive dance style, particularly his slow-motion movements.
That background was on full display at the Hyderabad event, where his dance performance contrasted sharply with the antagonist audiences will see when The Paradise reaches theatres.
This contrast has also become part of the film’s promotional interest: the performer entertaining audiences at the pre-release event is playing one of the story’s major threatening characters on screen.
The viral clips therefore serve two purposes for the film’s release campaign—showcasing Raghav’s familiar entertainer persona while drawing additional attention to his less familiar Telugu acting role.
What We Know About The Paradise
The Paradise is a period action drama starring Nani, with Kayadu Lohar and Raghav Juyal among its principal cast members. The film is directed by Srikanth Odela, while Anirudh Ravichander has composed its music.
The project reunites Nani and Odela after their 2023 film Dasara.
The Paradise is scheduled for a worldwide theatrical release on September 24, 2026, with paid premieres planned in select South Indian theatres on the night of September 23.
The film has received an A certificate from the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC).
Viral Moment Adds to The Paradise Release Buzz
Raghav and Suma’s dance was not a scripted scene from The Paradise, but its timing—just days before the theatrical release—has given the film another prominent social-media moment.
More importantly, it highlights the unusual positioning of Raghav in the project. Viewers who know him primarily for dance, comedy and hosting will see him enter Telugu cinema as the film’s principal antagonist.
Nani’s public praise of Raghav’s acting and preparation has added another layer of curiosity around that transition. Whether Vikram Maalik becomes a defining role for Raghav will ultimately depend on audience response after the film reaches theatres on September 24.
