The Paradise is set to hit theatres on September 24, 2026, in multiple languages. Amid the final post-production rush, Nani took time out to meet us and open up about the film, his character and what awaits audiences. Here’s the transcript.
What is the story of The Paradise set around?
The Paradise is set in a fictional region in 1984-85. People belonging to a tribe called the “Savaareelu” live there without any identity. When they themselves have no identity, even if they are attacked, nobody cares. The story is about such people fighting for their existence and identity.
What is the main emotion driving the story?
The film’s first glimpse begins with the mother’s words, and the film itself begins and ends with that emotion. No matter how many songs or big fights there are, what stays in the audience’s mind when they leave the theatre is the bond between the mother and son. That emotion will remain as a good memory in their hearts for a long time.
How is your character ‘Jadalu’ different from the characters you have played before?
I did not grow dreadlocks simply to create a new look. It came completely from the story and its world. Most of the characters I have played so far were people who live around us in society, people who are familiar to everyone. But this character did not grow up in ordinary society. Right from the beginning of the story, there is a certain madness and intensity in him. Playing this kind of character on the Telugu screen is a first in my career.
How did Mohan Babu come on board for such a brutal negative role?
On the very first day he narrated the story to me, Srikanth told me that Mohan Babu garu would be the right person for this role. I was surprised and wondered whether he would do such a brutal and negative character. But as soon as Mohan Babu garu heard the story, he was very enthusiastic and happily came forward to do the film.
How does director Srikanth Odela’s approach shape The Paradise?
Srikanth himself is like a genuine mass audience member. He doesn’t add mass scenes just for commercial calculations. He writes those scenes very honestly, from his heart. Whenever a shot comes out well on the monitor, the confidence he shows by saying, “Theatres will go crazy, brother,” is his real strength.
How was your experience working with Sonali Kulkarni?
Sonali Kulkarni is a very dedicated actress. She worked through rain, mud and night shoots without complaining. I believe audiences will appreciate her performance in the role of the mother.
What makes Anirudh’s background score stand out in The Paradise?
I believe this is the best background score Anirudh has given for any of my films so far. Jersey had an emotional mood, while Gang Leader had a fun tone. But in this film, Anirudh got the complete scope to hold the theatre together with his score from beginning to end, and he has made it twice as wonderful.
Why did the team decide not to postpone the release for a third time?
We had already postponed the release date twice, so we strongly decided that we should not change it a third time. That is why our entire team has been working day and night for the past 20 days. Producer Sudhakar garu is very happy and confident about the output of the film.
How were the fights designed differently from routine commercial action sequences?
The fights were designed not simply as fights, but like individual scenes and pieces of drama. Every fight was given a special name within our team. The action will give the audience a very new kind of kick when they watch it in the theatre.