Nani’s latest release ‘The Paradise’, directed by Srikanth Odela, opened in theatres on September 24 and has been receiving a mixed response from audiences and reviewers. While the action drama has been praised in some quarters for Nani’s performance and its scale, several early reactions have also raised concerns about the film’s writing, narration and emotional portions.Nani has now responded to the reactions, saying that he has gone through the audience responses, appreciated the love coming his way and even enjoyed the criticism and trolling surrounding the film. He also acknowledged the flaws pointed out by critics and reviewers, saying that he had learnt from the feedback.
Nani says he enjoyed the ‘hilarious trolls’
Reacting to the response to The Paradise, Nani took to X and said that he had gone through the reactions and responses from viewers. The actor said he was grateful for the affection he had received while also acknowledging the humorous trolling around the film.“I have seen all your reactions and responses. I’ve received all your love and equally enjoyed your hilarious trolls. I’m heartwarmed by the way audience have owned the film, and also learnt from the flaws that critics and reviewers have pointed out. Thank you for everything is all I can say,” Nani wrote.His comments come after early reactions to the film showed differing opinions, with some viewers appreciating the performances while others questioned aspects of the film’s execution.Nani also spoke about the effort that went into making the film and said the team’s intention was to offer audiences a different cinematic experience. He added that the final judgment ultimately belonged to viewers.“We have made #TheParadise with a lot of blood and sweat to give you a unique experience, and it’s all yours to celebrate or judge. With the excitement you had for the film and the affection you showed on me, I am filled with gratitude,” the actor said.The film marks Nani’s collaboration with Dasara director Srikanth Odela. The director has previously revealed that several elements of the story were inspired by incidents and experiences from his hometown in Telangana.
‘The Paradise’ gets mixed reactions from audiences
Early reactions to ‘The Paradise’ have varied. While Nani’s performance has been among the aspects receiving appreciation, some viewers have criticised the film’s screenplay, pacing, editing and emotional connect. A section of early social-media reactions also compared the film with other high-profile action dramas, while some viewers felt that the film’s ambitious world and action sequences did not always translate into an equally strong narrative.
‘The Paradise’ box office collection
Despite the mixed reactions, ‘The Paradise’ has opened strongly at the box office. According to Sacnilk, the film collected Rs 34.65 crore net in India on its first day, with its India gross standing at Rs 54.90 crore. Its overseas gross was reported at Rs 20 crore, taking the worldwide gross to Rs 74.90 crore on the Day 1 tracker. A separate updated Sacnilk figure puts the worldwide gross at Rs 76.90 crore when the additional overseas reporting is included.
What is ‘The Paradise’ about?
Set in 1980s Secunderabad, ‘The Paradise’ revolves around a marginalised community battling discrimination and fighting for basic rights and citizenship. Nani plays a central figure who emerges within the community as the story explores oppression, resistance and the struggle for dignity. The film is directed by Srikanth Odela, who also co-wrote the screenplay with Thota Srinivas and Vinay Sagar Jonnala. The cast includes Raghav Juyal, Kayadu Lohar, Mohan Babu, Sonali Kulkarni and Sampoornesh Babu. Raghav Juyal makes his Telugu film debut with the project, having previously impressed Nani with his performance in ‘Kill’.
