29 September,2026 05:18 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Nani`s The Paradise poster pic via Instagram
A film can divide an audience, but Nani says the response to The Paradise has reached a level he has never experienced before. The Telugu star has opened up about the sharply contrasting reactions to his latest release, saying the intensity itself reflects the expectations surrounding his collaboration with director Srikanth Odela.
The Paradise, which was released in theatres on September 24, has generated strong reactions from viewers and critics. While some audiences have praised the film, others have criticised its writing and execution.
Speaking to Srikanth Odela after the release, Nani said the response was unlike anything he had encountered during his career. "Out of 33 films I made in my 18 years of career, this is the first time I am experiencing something like this," said Nani. The actor added that even negative reactions appeared to carry considerable emotion. He described the responses as showing an "aggressive honesty", suggesting that audiences had entered theatres with strong expectations.
Nani believes much of the reaction is connected to his previous collaboration with Odela, Dasara. The 2023 film became a major success and created expectations for their second project.
According to The Indian Express, Nani said the intensity of the response showed "how much confidence and trust" audiences had placed in the actor-director combination.
The film's opening also reflected that anticipation. The Nizam distributor, Shashi, told the publication that all 25 multiplex shows in Hyderabad were sold out on opening day. He also claimed that approximately 8.21 lakh people watched the film across premieres and its first day of regular shows. However, the strong start was followed by divided reviews and reactions.
Director Srikanth Odela has admitted that he is still trying to understand the sharply different responses to the film. "I don't understand the reaction of those who said it's good, and I don't understand the reaction of those who said it's not good," he told The Times of India. The director said it could take him some time to fully understand why the film has produced such contrasting opinions.
Nani, meanwhile, has acknowledged criticism and said the team put considerable effort into the film. He has also indicated that the experience could influence their future work. For now, The Paradise remains a film that has generated conversation well beyond its box-office opening. For Nani, the sharply divided response may be unexpected, but it has also highlighted the level of anticipation surrounding his work with Odela.
