The Paradise marks the much-awaited reunion of Nani and director Srikanth Odela after their 2023 blockbuster Dasara, and it arrives as one of the biggest Telugu releases of 2026. Set against the backdrop of 1980s Secunderabad, the film dives into the world of the marginalised Savari community and their fight for dignity, led by a transformed Nani in a role unlike anything he has played before. With a stacked cast, Anirudh Ravichander’s music, and a gritty period setting, The Paradise promises a bold, high-stakes cinematic experience.
The Paradise takes audiences into 1980s Secunderabad, where Jadal (Nani), fresh out of prison, returns to a community controlled by the domineering Malik (Mohan Babu). As resentment against this oppressive order simmers, Jadal is drawn into a rebellion that is deeply personal and collective at once. Director Srikanth Odela builds a richly textured, atmospheric world for the Savari community, giving the film a strong identity from its opening frames. Nani anchors it all with a career-redefining performance, trading his familiar warmth for a guarded, physically intense screen presence, while Kayadu Lohar, Sonali Kulkarni, Mohan Babu, Raghav Juyal, and Sampoornesh Babu round out a memorable ensemble. Backed by Anirudh Ravichander’s energetic soundtrack and Ch Sai’s evocative cinematography, The Paradise is a bold, ambitious period actioner anchored by one of Nani’s most committed turns yet.
Cast and Crew
| Role | Name |
|---|---|
| Director | Srikanth Odela |
| Producer | Sudhakar Cherukuri |
| Production Banner | SLV Cinemas |
| Lead Cast | Nani (Jadal) |
| Female Lead | Kayadu Lohar (Subbu) |
| Supporting Cast | Sonali Kulkarni, Mohan Babu (Malik), Raghav Juyal (Vikram Malik), Sampoornesh Babu |
| Music Director | Anirudh Ravichander |
| Cinematography (DOP) | Ch Sai |
| Editor | Navin Nooli |
| Production Designer | Avinash Kolla |
| Language | Telugu |
| Runtime | 2 hrs 54 mins |
| Certification | A |
| Release Date | 24 September, 2026 |
Plot Summary
Set in 1980s Secunderabad, The Paradise follows Jadal (Nani), who returns from prison to a society still firmly under the control of Malik (Mohan Babu), a powerful figure whose grip extends over the marginalised Savari community. As resentment against this oppressive order grows, Jadal is gradually pulled into a rebellion that is as much personal as it is collective. What starts as one man finding his footing in a familiar but changed world eventually grows into a larger fight for the community’s identity and dignity. Relationships, loyalties, and old wounds intertwine with this struggle, pushing Jadal toward an inevitable confrontation with the system that shaped his life.
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Actor Performances
Nani delivers what is easily one of the most transformative performances of his career. Known for his approachable, boy-next-door charm, he steps into a guarded, physically imposing, and quietly volatile avatar as Jadal. From his gait and posture to the contained intensity in his expressions, Nani makes every beat of this transformation believable, and when his restraint finally breaks, the resulting bursts of aggression feel earned rather than performative. It’s a bold, carefully calibrated turn that shows an entirely new side of the actor.
Kayadu Lohar brings a natural warmth and grounded charm to Subbu, and her scenes with Nani offer some of the film’s most tender, human moments amid the surrounding intensity.
Sonali Kulkarni brings genuine emotional depth to the mother-son dynamic, lending the film’s quieter family moments real weight and sincerity.
Mohan Babu commands the screen with the imposing, authoritative presence that his role as Malik demands, making him a formidable force throughout.
Raghav Juyal is a standout, bringing unpredictability and menace to his antagonist role that keeps the tension alive whenever he’s on screen.
Sampoornesh Babu makes a strong impression in his part, holding his own with confidence despite having comparatively limited screen time.
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Technical Analysis
Direction
Srikanth Odela shows a distinctive filmmaking voice, particularly in how he builds atmosphere and establishes the world of the Savari community. His patient, immersive approach in the first half lets the setting and character dynamics breathe before the larger conflict takes over.
Cinematography
Ch Sai’s camerawork gives the period setting a weathered, earthy texture that strongly complements the film’s tone, with the locations and crowded community spaces adding authenticity to the world.
Music/Score
Anirudh Ravichander’s soundtrack brings genuine energy to the film, with “Aaya Sher” delivering swagger and “Yeshanagula” standing out as a genuine high point. The background score adds atmosphere effectively in several key sequences.
Editing
Navin Nooli’s editing supports the immersive, patient build of the first half well, letting the world and characters settle in before the story accelerates into its action-heavy second act.
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Strengths and Weaknesses
Strengths:
- Nani’s career-redefining, transformative performance as Jadal
- Rich, immersive world-building around the Savari community
- Strong ensemble performances across Kayadu Lohar, Mohan Babu, Raghav Juyal, Sonali Kulkarni, and Sampoornesh Babu
- Raw, weighty action staging in the first half
- Evocative period cinematography and production design
- Energetic soundtrack with standout tracks like “Aaya Sher” and “Yeshanagula”
Weaknesses:
- Pacing dips in the second half as the narrative leans heavily on action
- Some emotional threads could have used more development amid the escalating conflict
- Runtime could have benefited from tighter editing in a few stretches
Final Verdict: ⭐⭐⭐⭐4/5 stars
The Paradise is an ambitious, atmospheric period action drama anchored by a genuinely transformative performance from Nani. Backed by a strong ensemble cast, striking period detailing, and a memorable soundtrack, Srikanth Odela delivers a world worth stepping into. Despite a few pacing dips, the sheer craft on display and Nani’s career-best turn make The Paradise a compelling watch and one of the standout Telugu releases of 2026.
What is the certification of The Paradise?
The Paradise has been certified ‘A’ (Adults Only) by the CBFC.
Is The Paradise suitable for children and family viewing?
No, given its ‘A’ certification and intense, violent content, The Paradise is not recommended for children or family audiences.
Is The Paradise based on a true story?
No, The Paradise is a fictional period action drama set in 1980s Secunderabad and is not based on true events.
