Nani is set to return to theatres with The Paradise, a Telugu period action drama directed by Srikanth Odela. Set in 1980s Secunderabad, the film follows Jadal, a man from a marginalised community whose struggle becomes connected to a larger fight against oppression. The movie marks the second collaboration between Nani and Odela after Dasara and features Raghav Juyal, Kayadu Lohar, Mohan Babu and Sonali Kulkarni in important roles. The cast of the paradise has already drawn attention, while the film’s teaser, music and unusual decision to skip a conventional trailer have added to the pre-release interest.
| Attribute | Details |
| Movie | The Paradise |
| Directed by | Srikanth Odela |
| Written by | Srikanth Odela |
| Produced by | Sudhakar Cherukuri |
| Production company | SLV Cinemas |
| Lead actor | Nani |
| Main cast | Nani, Raghav Juyal, Kayadu Lohar, Mohan Babu, Sonali Kulkarni, Sampoornesh Babu |
| Special appearance | Keerthy Suresh |
| Genre | Period action drama |
| Setting | 1980s Secunderabad |
| Music | Anirudh Ravichander |
| Cinematography | CH Sai |
| Editing | Naveen Nooli |
| Production design | Avinash Kolla |
| Certification | A |
| Release date | September 24, 2026 |
| Release languages | Telugu, Hindi, Tamil, Malayalam, Kannada, Bengali, English and Spanish |
The Paradise Release Date
The Paradise is scheduled for a worldwide theatrical release on September 24, 2026. The makers recently reconfirmed the date after reports of a possible postponement, putting the film firmly on track for its September release. Special premiere shows are also scheduled in some markets on September 23.
The film will reach audiences in Telugu along with dubbed versions in several other languages. Nani has said that Telugu remains the primary focus of the release, even though the movie is being made available to audiences in other language markets.
Cast of The Paradise
The main cast of the paradise includes Nani, Raghav Juyal, Kayadu Lohar, Mohan Babu and Sonali Kulkarni. Sampoornesh Babu also plays an important supporting role, while Keerthy Suresh appears in a special role.
| Actor | Character |
| Nani | Jadal |
| Raghav Juyal | Vikram Maalik |
| Kayadu Lohar | Subbu |
| Mohan Babu | Shikanja Maalik |
| Sonali Kulkarni | Sammakka |
| Sampoornesh Babu | Biryani |
| Keerthy Suresh | Special appearance |
Nani as Jadal
Nani plays Jadal, the central character of The Paradise. The character belongs to a marginalised community and becomes involved in its struggle for dignity and recognition. Nani appears in a distinctly rugged look for the role, with the character presented as a physically intense figure within the film’s 1980s setting. The actor has also described the movie as one of the most physically and mentally demanding projects of his career.
Raghav Juyal as Vikram Maalik
Raghav Juyal plays Vikram Maalik, one of the major opposing characters in the film. The role marks his Telugu film debut. Director Srikanth Odela has revealed that he spent around eight months searching for the right actor for the role. After meeting Juyal, the director said he rewrote aspects of the character around the actor’s natural energy.
Kayadu Lohar as Subbu
Kayadu Lohar plays Subbu, the female lead in The Paradise. Her character is connected to Jadal and the central events of the story. While much of Subbu’s character has been kept under wraps before release, her presence places her within the film’s main emotional and narrative framework.
Mohan Babu as Shikanja Maalik
Mohan Babu plays Shikanja Maalik, a powerful figure who stands on the opposing side of Jadal’s struggle. His character is closely connected to Vikram Maalik, played by Raghav Juyal, and forms part of the conflict at the centre of the film.
Sonali Kulkarni as Sammakka
Sonali Kulkarni plays Sammakka, Jadal’s mother. Her role goes beyond being identified simply as the protagonist’s mother. Kulkarni has spoken about Sammakka having her own story within the film and has highlighted the importance of her character. She also learned Telugu for the role.
Sampoornesh Babu and Keerthy Suresh
Sampoornesh Babu plays Biryani, Jadal’s best friend. The actor has described the part as different from the type of roles he has usually played, making it a notable change in his filmography. Keerthy Suresh makes a special appearance associated with the song “Yeshanagula.” Her appearance also brings her back into a collaboration with Nani and Srikanth Odela after Dasara.
The Paradise Story
Set in 1980s Secunderabad, The Paradise centres on a marginalised community that has faced discrimination and been denied basic rights. Nani plays Jadal, a member of this community who becomes a central figure in its fight against oppression.
Director Srikanth Odela has described the movie as an emotional story involving a mother and son, alongside the wider struggle of the community. The story follows people who have contributed to their country but later find themselves without a sense of belonging or equal rights in their own homeland. Jadal’s relationship with his mother, Sammakka, played by Sonali Kulkarni, forms an important emotional part of the film. At the same time, the story introduces powerful opposing characters, including Shikanja Maalik, played by Mohan Babu, and Vikram Maalik, played by Raghav Juyal.
The story is fictional, but Odela has revealed that several incidents he witnessed while growing up in Telangana influenced the film. He incorporated experiences from his hometown and other incidents from Telangana into the fictional narrative.
The Paradise Production Team
The Paradise is written and directed by Srikanth Odela, marking his second collaboration with Nani after Dasara. The film is produced by Sudhakar Cherukuri under the SLV Cinemas banner, with Gopi Chand Innamuri serving as co-producer.
The technical team includes Anirudh Ravichander as the music composer, CH Sai as cinematographer and Naveen Nooli as editor. Avinash Kolla is associated with the production design.
The Nani-Odela reunion is one of the film’s major talking points. Their previous collaboration, Dasara, was released in 2023 and featured Nani as Dharani. The Paradise takes the pair into a different period and story, with Nani playing Jadal.
Anirudh Ravichander is also an important part of the film’s music team. The songs released ahead of the film include “Aaya Sher” and “Yeshanagula”, with the latter featuring a special appearance by Keerthy Suresh.
Why The Paradise Is Getting Attention
The film has several elements that have kept it in the spotlight before release. The first is the reunion of Nani and Srikanth Odela, who previously worked together on Dasara.
The second is the casting of Raghav Juyal in a major Telugu role. His transformation from dancer and actor known largely through Hindi projects to a negative character in a Telugu film has generated additional interest.
The film’s setting is another important factor. Rather than being set in the present day, The Paradise takes viewers back to 1980s Secunderabad and builds its story around a community facing social and political difficulties.
The Paradise Teaser, Trailer and Songs
The Paradise has released promotional material including its teaser and songs, but there will be no conventional theatrical trailer before release. Nani confirmed this at a recent press event, explaining that the team decided not to take the director and other members away from completing the film simply to prepare another promotional video.
The teaser gives viewers a look at Nani’s Jadal, the period setting and several of the film’s key characters without revealing the full story.
The soundtrack is composed by Anirudh Ravichander. “Aaya Sher” and “Yeshanagula” have been released ahead of the movie, with “Yeshanagula” also featuring Keerthy Suresh in a special appearance.
Certification, Runtime and Languages
The Paradise has received an A certificate from the Central Board of Film Certification. The film has a reported runtime of approximately 2 hours and 49 minutes. The movie is releasing in Telugu along with dubbed versions for audiences in other language markets. Reported release languages include Hindi, Tamil, Malayalam, Kannada, Bengali, English and Spanish.
The Paradise Advance Booking
Advance booking has already started ahead of the September 24 release. According to industry tracking cited by India Today, the film had crossed ₹7 crore in advance sales from around 72,000 tickets by September 22. The four-day pre-sales figure, including block seats, was reported at around ₹7.85 crore.
Day 1 is accounting for most of the early booking activity, with Hyderabad leading the city-wise figures. These numbers represent advance sales and should not be confused with the film’s actual box-office collection. The film will also have special screenings on September 23 in select markets. Telangana has approved a special show and revised ticket pricing ahead of the theatrical release.
Where to Watch The Paradise
The Paradise will be available in theatres worldwide from September 24, 2026, with special premiere screenings beginning in some locations on September 23.
An official OTT platform and streaming date have not been announced yet. Therefore, theatrical release is currently the confirmed way to watch the film.
Conclusion
The cast of the paradise combines Nani as Jadal with Raghav Juyal, Kayadu Lohar, Mohan Babu, Sonali Kulkarni and Sampoornesh Babu, along with a special appearance by Keerthy Suresh. Their characters are part of a story set in 1980s Secunderabad and centred on a marginalised community’s struggle for recognition.
With Srikanth Odela returning as director, Anirudh Ravichander handling the music and Nani leading the film, The Paradise brings together the team behind Dasara for a new story. The film is scheduled for worldwide theatrical release on September 24, 2026, with advance bookings already underway.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. Who is in the cast of The Paradise?
The main cast includes Nani, Raghav Juyal, Kayadu Lohar, Mohan Babu, Sonali Kulkarni and Sampoornesh Babu. Keerthy Suresh also makes a special appearance.
Q2. Who plays Jadal in The Paradise?
Nani plays Jadal, the central character in The Paradise. The story follows his struggle within a marginalised community in 1980s Secunderabad.
Q3. Who is the heroine of The Paradise?
Kayadu Lohar plays Subbu, the female lead opposite Nani in The Paradise. Sonali Kulkarni also has an important role as Sammakka, Jadal’s mother.
Q4. When is The Paradise releasing?
The Paradise is scheduled for a worldwide theatrical release on September 24, 2026. Special premiere screenings are also planned in some locations on September 23.
Q5. Is The Paradise based on a true story?
The Paradise is a fictional story, but director Srikanth Odela has said that real-life incidents and experiences from Telangana influenced parts of the film.