The buzz around Nani's upcoming film The Paradise has reached a fever pitch, and while the movie is still days away from its September 23 release, the conversation has already shifted to what kind of opening it will take at the box office. Trade circles are abuzz with the phrase "massive openings - and all eyes are on Nani, who is carrying one of the most anticipated Telugu releases of the year on his shoulders.
Directed by Srikanth Odela, The Paradise marks a sharp departure from the romantic and family-oriented roles that made Nani a household name. The film is set in 1980s Secunderabad and follows a marginalized tribe battling discrimination while fighting for citizenship, guided by an unexpected leader. It blends action, thriller, and drama - a combination that Odela previously wielded with considerable success, and one that Nani appears to have embraced fully as Jadal Zamana.
The question on every trade analyst's mind is simple: how many crores will The Paradise collect on its first day? While exact figures won't be known until the film hits screens, the pre-release signals are undeniably strong. Advance bookings have been brisk across Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, and the film's Hindi and Tamil versions are also generating curiosity - a sign that the makers are eyeing a pan-Indian footprint. The runtime of 165 minutes suggests an epic, immersive experience, and the marketing has leaned heavily into the film's gritty, period-specific world.
What sets The Paradise apart from typical star vehicles is its thematic ambition. The story centers on a community pushed to the margins, fighting not just for survival but for official recognition - citizenship itself. Nani's character, Jadal Zamana, is described as an unlikely leader, and the film appears to use his journey to explore systemic oppression through a commercial lens. It is a risky narrative choice for a mainstream Telugu hero, but the early response suggests the gamble may pay off.
The supporting cast is among the film's biggest assets. Kayadu Lohar plays Subbu, while Mohan Babu takes on the role of Shikanja Maalik. Raghav Juyal appears as Vikram Maalik, and the ensemble includes Sonali Kulkarni, Sampoornesh Babu as Biriyani, Babu Mohan, and Tanikella Bharani. The mix of veteran performers and fresh faces gives the film a texture that has been visible in the promotional material.
For Nani, The Paradise arrives at a crucial juncture. He has built a reputation as a dependable crowd-puller with a knack for choosing scripts that balance commercial appeal and critical credibility. But this film demands more - a physical transformation, a darker register, and a story rooted in social conflict rather than personal romance. If it opens big, it will cement his ability to carry a heavy, issue-driven narrative on a massive scale. If the opening falls short of expectations, questions will inevitably arise about whether the audience is ready for this version of Nani.
Trade experts are refraining from committing to specific first-day numbers, but the phrase making the rounds - massive openings - reflects genuine confidence. The film's release date, just days away, will settle the debate. Until then, the industry is watching closely.
It's worth noting that The Paradise is a Telugu-language film from Tollywood, and its identity as a Telugu production is central to its marketing. The story's Secunderabad setting grounds it in a specific cultural and historical moment, even as it reaches for universal themes. Odela, who has shown a flair for raw, rooted storytelling, appears to have constructed a world that feels both authentic and cinematic.
For now, the spotlight remains on Nani. His face dominates the posters, his name drives the advance bookings, and his performance will likely determine the film's word-of-mouth trajectory. The Paradise is not just another release; it is a test of whether a Telugu star can anchor a socially charged period drama and still deliver the kind of opening that the industry equates with superstardom.
The first-day collection figures will arrive soon enough. The anticipation, however, is already here - and it is loud.
Source: Filmibeat Telugu
