The Paradise Movie Review: Nani Takes a Darker Route
Nani has built a reputation for choosing characters that feel relatable and emotionally grounded. With The Paradise, however, the actor moves into much darker and more violent territory. Directed by Srikanth Odela, the film reunites the actor-director duo after Dasara and presents Nani in an intense new avatar.
Released in theatres on September 24, 2026, The Paradise is a 2-hour-54-minute Telugu action thriller set in 1980s Secunderabad. The story explores oppression, identity, power and resistance through the lives of a marginalised community.
What Is The Paradise About?
The film revolves around Jadal, played by Nani, and the Savari community, who are deprived of basic rights and recognition. The story places this community under the control of a powerful feudal figure, Malik, played by Mohan Babu.
Jadal's journey is closely connected to his mother Sammakka, portrayed by Sonali Kulkarni. What begins as a story of oppression gradually develops into a larger conflict involving dignity, leadership and resistance.
The film uses the backdrop of 1980s Secunderabad to create a distinct world filled with poverty, violence and social inequality. Director Srikanth Odela attempts to combine this social backdrop with large-scale action and an emotional mother-son relationship.
Nani’s Transformation Is One of the Biggest Highlights
Nani is arguably the biggest talking point of The Paradise. The actor has undergone a significant physical and visual transformation to play Jadal.
His appearance, body language, hairstyle and mannerisms are noticeably different from the softer characters audiences have frequently seen him portray. Reviews have particularly highlighted how Nani uses his posture and restrained aggression to establish Jadal before the character eventually explodes into violence.
Rather than simply relying on dialogue to create a mass hero image, the performance attempts to communicate Jadal's personality through his physical presence.
Supporting Cast Adds Weight
The supporting cast includes Mohan Babu, Sonali Kulkarni, Kayadu Lohar and Raghav Juyal.
Sonali Kulkarni gets an emotionally important role as Sammakka, while Kayadu Lohar plays Subbu, providing some of the film's quieter and more human moments. Mohan Babu brings the imposing presence required for Malik.
Raghav Juyal, meanwhile, steps into a darker role as Vikram Malik. The actor, known for his distinctive dance style and performances in recent films, gets an opportunity to explore a more menacing character.
Action, Visuals and Anirudh’s Music
Visually, The Paradise aims for scale. The production recreates the atmosphere of 1980s Secunderabad, while the action sequences are designed to feel like an extension of the film's world rather than completely separate set pieces.
The first half has received appreciation in some reviews for integrating action with the setting. At the same time, critics have pointed out that the film becomes less consistent as the story progresses.
Another major attraction is Anirudh Ravichander's music and background score. Songs such as "Aaya Sher" helped build anticipation before release, while the background score contributes energy to the film's action-heavy moments.
Where The Paradise Falls Short
The biggest criticism surrounding The Paradise is its storytelling. Several reviews have praised the ambition, performances and visual world while finding the screenplay less effective.
The film tries to balance social oppression, a mother-son relationship, political power, identity and mass action. According to multiple reviews, these elements do not always come together smoothly, particularly in the second half. Some critics also felt that the excessive violence and stretched sequences reduce the emotional impact.
The Times of India gave the film 2.5/5, describing it as a striking world that ultimately loses its way. Other reviews have also been mixed, suggesting that audience reactions may depend heavily on how much viewers connect with its violent style and unconventional presentation.
Final Verdict
The Paradise is clearly an ambitious attempt by Nani and Srikanth Odela to create something darker and more intense. Nani's transformation, the period setting, action sequences and Anirudh's music provide several moments worth noticing.
However, the film's ambitious scale is not consistently matched by its screenplay and emotional depth. For viewers looking primarily for intense action and Nani in a radically different avatar, the film offers plenty to explore. Those expecting the emotional storytelling associated with some of Nani's earlier films may find the experience less satisfying.
With mixed reviews arriving on release day, The Paradise is shaping up as a film that is likely to generate strong discussion among Nani fans and Telugu cinema audiences.
Click here for the latest news from Bollywood, Hollywood, South Film Industry, Bhojpuri and TV world… Click here to join the Facebook Page, Twitter Page, YouTube page, and Instagram of Bollywood Mascot!
Leave a Comment