The Paradise director Srikanth Odela on real-life roots of Nani's film
Synopsis
Director Srikanth Odela says 'The Paradise' was born from real incidents he witnessed in Telangana — and Nani calls it the most physically and mentally exhausting film of his 18-year career. With its release on 24 September, the film's story of a marginalised community fighting for belonging could make it one of Telugu cinema's more resonant releases this year.
Key Takeaways
Srikanth Odela directed 'The Paradise' , starring Nani , releasing on 24 September 2026 .
Odela said the story is drawn from real incidents he witnessed growing up in Telangana .
The film is described as a 'revolutionary, emotional' story about a mother, son, and a marginalised community.
Nani called it the most tiring film of his 18-year career, both physically and mentally.
Nani denied viral social media claims of underwater sequences and a 1,000-person fight scene.
Director Srikanth Odela has revealed that the story of his upcoming Telugu action film 'The Paradise', starring Nani, draws directly from real incidents he witnessed while growing up in his hometown in Telangana. The film is set to release on 24 September 2026 and has generated considerable anticipation among fans and film buffs alike.
Where the story came from
Speaking to the media ahead of the film's release, Odela said, 'The film is based on several little real life incidents which I witnessed while growing up. I have seen several incidents near my hometown. I have taken several incidents from Telangana and made it as a part of the film.'
Odela described 'The Paradise' as 'a revolutionary, emotional film' centred on a mother and son, and on a marginalised community. He quoted the poet Kaloji to capture the film's spirit: 'We own our birth, we own our death, but our entire life belongs to the nation.' He elaborated that the story follows people who fought for their country but, upon realising they have no place in it, fight back — 'without knowing what else to do.'
Nani calls it the most tiring film of his career
Lead actor Nani, speaking at a press interaction ahead of the release, described the film as the most demanding of his 18-year career. 'The Paradise is the most tiring film of my career, both physically and mentally. If there has been a film for which I have worked very hard in these 18 years of my film career, it is 'The Paradise',' he said.
Setting the record straight on viral claims
Nani also addressed circulating social media reports that the film features underwater sequences and a fight involving 1,000 people. He categorically denied both: 'There are various news reports about the movie on social media. There is no underwater sequence in it. There is also no fight with a 1000 people as is being claimed. This is a genuine story and there are a lot of action blocks. There are scenes that will give audiences a good high. The audience will feel the emotion in the violence.'
Delays, buzz and what to expect
Odela acknowledged the film had been delayed but argued that every update released so far had 'created a blast' of audience interest. 'There is a lot of excitement and curiosity among audiences about what The Paradise is all about,' he said. With its Telangana-rooted narrative, heavy action, and emotional underpinning, the film is positioned as one of the more ambitious Telugu releases of the year. How it performs at the box office on 24 September will be closely watched by the industry.
Point of View
But few directors articulate that intent so explicitly before release. The risk is that the marketing of Nani's physical exhaustion and the denial of viral stunts overshadows the film's more substantive emotional core. If the film delivers on Odela's stated ambition, it could anchor a new wave of regionally grounded Telugu narratives; if it leans too heavily on action spectacle, the political framing will read as promotional gloss.
NationPress
22 Sept 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is 'The Paradise' about?
'The Paradise' is a Telugu action film directed by Srikanth Odela and starring Nani. It is described as a revolutionary, emotional story about a mother and son from a marginalised community in Telangana who fight back after feeling they have no place in their own country.
When does 'The Paradise' release?
The film is set to release on 24 September 2026. Director Srikanth Odela acknowledged there had been delays but said every update released so far had generated strong audience excitement.
What did Nani say about working on 'The Paradise'?
Nani described 'The Paradise' as the most tiring film of his 18-year career, both physically and mentally, calling it the project for which he has worked the hardest. He made these remarks at a media interaction ahead of the film's release.
Are there underwater sequences or a 1,000-person fight in 'The Paradise'?
No. Nani directly denied both claims, calling them inaccurate social media reports. He clarified that the film has genuine action blocks and emotional scenes, but no underwater sequences and no fight involving 1,000 people.
Where did director Srikanth Odela get the inspiration for 'The Paradise'?
Odela said the story was inspired by several real incidents he witnessed while growing up near his hometown in Telangana. He drew on these personal observations to build the film's narrative about community, belonging, and resistance.
