Archive · 24 Sep 2026
The Paradise Draws Mixed Reactions After Worldwide Theatrical Release
The Paradise is a new Telugu action movie starring Nani and Kayadu Lohar.
It was released in cinemas around the world on September 24, 2026.
People who watched early shows had very different opinions.
Some said Nani acted very well and that the action, pictures and music were exciting.
Others thought the story was weak and that the editing and second half did not work.
Some viewers compared it favorably with other big action films.
Other viewers said it was disappointing and that Dasara was much better.
The movie is about a marginalised community fighting discrimination and injustice.
Its advance ticket sales were strong before it opened.
The Paradise, starring Nani and Kayadu Lohar, released worldwide on September 24, 2026.
Early reactions from paid premieres and first-day shows ranged from strong praise to claims of a complete washout.
Viewers praised Nani’s performance, visuals, action sequences, interval block and Anirudh Ravichander’s background score.
Critics questioned the screenplay, editing, sound mixing, narration and second half, with some calling it a “cringe fest.”
Trade estimates put advance bookings at ₹40.86 crore across six show dates, including block seats, before release.
- Who
- The film stars Nani, Kayadu Lohar, Raghav Juyal, Mohan Babu and Sonali Kulkarni; it was directed by Srikanth Odela.
- What
- The Paradise is a Telugu action drama receiving sharply mixed early audience reviews.
- When
- It released worldwide on September 24, 2026, with reactions reported from paid premieres and first-day shows.
- Where
- It was released in theatres in Telugu, Hindi, Tamil, Malayalam, Kannada, Bengali, English and Spanish; Hyderabad contributed the highest reported city-wise advance bookings.
- Why
- The story follows a marginalised community’s struggle against discrimination and injustice.
Supportive audience reactions
Critical audience reactions
Performances and action
Supportive audience reactions
Some viewers called Nani phenomenal and praised his different avatar, action, attitude and dance, while also highlighting Raghav Juyal.
Critical audience reactions
Other viewers criticised Nani’s performance and described the action as slow or lacking substance.
Story and filmmaking
Supportive audience reactions
Supporters praised the direction, world-building, emotional mother-son scenes, visual treatment and production design, describing the film as a major big-screen experience.
Critical audience reactions
Critics said the screenplay and narration did not match the hype and objected to the editing, sound mixing and second-half storytelling.
Overall comparison and reception
Supportive audience reactions
Some viewers called the film a blockbuster, compared its impact favorably with KGF and Salaar, and rated it 3.25/5.
Critical audience reactions
Other viewers rated it as low as 0.1/5, called it a “cringe fest” or “complete washout,” and said Dasara was “10X better.”
- Film
- The Paradise
- Release date
- September 24, 2026
- Director
- Srikanth Odela
- Lead cast
- Nani and Kayadu Lohar, alongside Raghav Juyal, Mohan Babu and Sonali Kulkarni
- Advance bookings
- ₹40.86 crore across six show dates including block seats; ₹33.82 crore excluding block seats, according to reported trade estimates
- Highest city contribution
- Hyderabad, with ₹7.47 crore in reported advance bookings
- Positive reactions
- Nani’s performance, visuals, action, interval block, emotional scenes, production design and Anirudh Ravichander’s music
- Negative reactions
- Screenplay, editing, sound mixing, narration and the second half
