Nani’s 'The Paradise' Gets Mixed To Negative Reviews Despite Huge Opening Buzz

Nani’s 'The Paradise' has finally arrived in theatres worldwide on September 24, but the much-awaited film is facing mixed-to-negative reviews after its paid premiere shows. While the film opened amid strong advance bookings and huge expectations, early reviews have raised concerns over its screenplay, emotional depth, narration, pacing and especially the second half.

Following the success of 'Dasara', Nani and director Srikanth Odela have reunited for 'The Paradise'. Mounted on an ambitious scale, the period action drama revolves around the oppressed Savaari tribe, who continue to live without an identity even after India’s Independence under the ruthless Shikanja Malik, played by Mohan Babu. Nani’s Jadal rises against Malik and fights to secure an identity for his people.

The film arrived with considerable anticipation, with paid premieres drawing strong audience interest. Advance bookings had reportedly crossed Rs 40 crore, including block seats, before the theatrical release, creating expectations of the biggest opening of Nani’s career.

However, the early reviews have created a sharp contrast with the film’s commercial momentum. One review described 'The Paradise' as an “emotionally distant, epic misfire”, arguing that Nani’s physical transformation could not compensate for a narrative that struggles to establish its characters and central conflict. The film’s ambitious world-building and visual design were acknowledged, but its emotional connection with the Savaari community was questioned.

Another review rated the film 2.5/5, praising Nani, its scale and visual presentation while noting that the film loses its way after the interval. The lack of a strong emotional core was also highlighted.

The second half has emerged as one of the biggest points of criticism. A separate review praised the first half for its distinctive world, intense atmosphere, action blocks and emotional threads, but felt the latter portions lose depth and end disappointingly.

The screenplay has also been criticised for following a familiar mass-action template without adding enough freshness. The chapter-wise narration reportedly becomes difficult to remember, while the film’s reliance on bloodshed and massacres is seen as insufficient to sustain interest.

Technical aspects have received a more divided response. Nani’s physical transformation, sincere performance and demanding action sequences have earned praise, along with the cinematography, production values, visual scale and songs. However, criticism has been directed at the sound mixing, abrupt editing, transitions and background score.

X reactions are similarly divided. Some viewers have praised Nani, the action, visuals and emotional moments, while others have criticised the screenplay, editing and second-half narration.

Meanwhile, the makers have officially announced Netflix as the OTT partner. The streaming platform has acquired the digital rights, with the film expected to arrive after its theatrical run.

'The Paradise' also stars Kayadu Lohar, Sonali Kulkarni, Raghav Juyal, Mohan Babu and Tanikella Bharani. Anirudh Ravichander has composed the music, while SLV Cinemas has backed the project.