Nani Stands by The Paradise as Film Sparks Mixed Audience Reactions

Nani has addressed the varied response to The Paradise, standing firmly by the film while acknowledging both the praise and criticism it has received following its theatrical release.

Speaking at the film's recent success meet, the actor said The Paradise had become a major talking point, with discussions surrounding the film continuing across television and among audiences. He thanked Telugu filmgoers for their support and described them as among the greatest audiences for openly expressing their views.

Directed by Srikanth Odela, The Paradise marks Nani's second collaboration with the filmmaker following Dasara. The action entertainer has attracted strong attention since its release, with reactions ranging from appreciation to criticism.

Nani says The Paradise has dominated conversations

At the success meet, Nani reflected on the response that greeted the film after its release.

He said the reactions had been varied and intense, but noted that the film had remained a subject of discussion wherever he went.

“Today, it was like a storm. The release, the reactions, the responses — all kinds of extreme reactions came. But wherever I see, whoever I meet, there is only one topic. From last week, wherever I see on TV, there is only The Paradise,” Nani said.

The actor then described the scale of attention surrounding the movie in emphatic terms.

“There is no good noise today, there is only noise. And the most noise a film has made in 2026 is The Paradise,” he said.

For Nani, the level of conversation surrounding the movie was significant regardless of whether the response was positive or critical. He also used the occasion to thank Telugu audiences for watching the film, discussing it and sharing their opinions.

Actor thanks Telugu audiences

Nani praised Telugu moviegoers for being vocal about what they watch and for standing behind their beliefs.

His comments came as The Paradise continued to generate discussion following its theatrical release. Rather than focusing solely on the positive response, the actor acknowledged the range of reactions the film had received.

A few days before the success meet, Nani had also addressed the audience response through social media.

In that post, he said he had seen the reactions to the movie and had enjoyed the humorous trolling surrounding it. At the same time, he said he had taken note of the shortcomings highlighted by critics and reviewers.

“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 reflected his response to both the support from viewers and the criticism that accompanied the film's release.

Nani credits the entire team

While speaking about The Paradise, Nani also made it clear that he viewed the film as a collective effort rather than a project centred solely on its lead actor.

He highlighted the difficult circumstances under which the movie was made, referring to demanding locations, rain, lengthy schedules and challenging working conditions faced by the cast and crew.

“Paradise is not a hero’s film. No one can say that the hero struggled more,” Nani said.

The actor used the occasion to acknowledge the efforts of director Srikanth Odela as well as the technicians who worked to translate the filmmaker's vision to the screen.

His comments placed the focus on the wider team behind the production rather than presenting the film simply as a star-driven project.

Second collaboration with Srikanth Odela

The Paradise brings Nani and Srikanth Odela together for a second time after their previous collaboration, Dasara.

The latest film sees the actor headline another ambitious action-oriented project under Odela's direction.

As the film continues to be discussed following its theatrical release, Nani has maintained his support for the project while recognising that audiences and critics have responded to it in different ways.

His remarks at the success meet also highlighted the importance of the audience's reaction, whether expressed through appreciation, criticism or humour.

Cast adds to The Paradise

Alongside Nani, The Paradise features Sonali Kulkarni, Kayadu Lohar, Raghav Juyal and veteran actor Mohan Babu.

The ensemble forms part of the cast assembled for Odela's film, which has remained a prominent topic of discussion since reaching theatres.

For Nani, the conversation surrounding the movie is itself a reflection of the strong response it has generated.

At the success meet, he reiterated his appreciation for audiences while crediting the people who worked behind the scenes to make the film.

With its mixed reactions continuing to fuel discussion, The Paradise remains a notable release in Nani's recent filmography. The actor's latest comments show that he is embracing both the enthusiasm and criticism surrounding the film while standing by the work delivered by its cast and crew.