Hyderabad: Nani and Kayadu Lohar’s The Paradise has begun receiving early reactions online following its paid premiere shows on Wednesday evening. Directed by Srikanth Odela, the Telugu action drama released worldwide on September 24, with initial social-media reactions offering a mixed picture.
Several viewers praised Nani’s performance, the film’s visual presentation, action sequences and emotional moments. Others, however, criticised the screenplay, editing and second-half narration.
The Paradise gets praise for performances and visuals
One viewer rated The Paradise 3.25/5, praising Nani’s performance as one of the film’s biggest strengths.
The viewer described the film as more than an action spectacle and highlighted its emotional elements, particularly the sequences involving the mother-son relationship. Srikanth Odela’s visual treatment and the film’s production design were also appreciated.
The viewer wrote that Nani delivers an intense and controlled performance, while the action and emotional sequences leave an impact. Anirudh Ravichander’s music was also praised for adding to the film’s high points.
The review concluded that The Paradise is an ambitious film with emotion and theatrical moments that could appeal particularly to audiences watching it on the big screen.
Viewer praises The Paradise first half
Another social-media user gave the film’s first half a positive response, describing it as a slow-burning cinematic experience.
The viewer praised the atmosphere, visuals, performances and tension, suggesting that the film manages to maintain interest throughout its opening half.
The reaction described the first half as beautifully crafted and said the various technical and performance elements work together to create a strong cinematic atmosphere.
Another viewer also shared a positive response and urged audiences to experience the film without being influenced by negative reviews.
The user praised Nani and encouraged his fans to simply watch the movie and experience it on its own terms.
Another viewer criticises screenplay and second half
Not all early reactions to The Paradise have been positive.
One social-media review described the film as a “Patience Testing Artificial Mass Film”, while criticising what the viewer considered weak writing and narration.
According to the review, the opening portions and interval were among the more effective sections of the first half, but the second half was described as considerably weaker.
The viewer criticised the screenplay, editing and abrupt cuts, arguing that some of the action and performances felt artificial. The review also raised concerns about the sound mixing and said some dialogue was difficult to follow because of excessive loudness.
Anirudh’s background score was also criticised in this particular reaction, although the songs received a more favourable mention.
The review gave the film 1.75/5, while acknowledging that Nani had put in considerable effort.
These are individual early reactions rather than a consensus, and audience responses could change as more viewers watch the film.
The Paradise advance booking numbers
The mixed early reactions come after strong reported advance-booking numbers for The Paradise.
According to trade estimates cited by Sacnilk, the film had collected Rs 40.86 crore through advance bookings across six show dates, including block seats. Without block seats, the reported figure stood at Rs 33.82 crore.
The September 24 shows contributed around Rs 19.92 crore to the reported advance-booking total.
Hyderabad emerged as the biggest city-wise contributor, with reported advance bookings of around Rs 7.47 crore.
The figures are advance-booking estimates and do not represent the film’s final box-office collection.
Nani and Srikanth Odela reunite after Dasara
The Paradise marks the second collaboration between Nani and Srikanth Odela after their 2023 film Dasara.
Nani plays Jadal, a character from a marginalised community in 1980s Secunderabad. The story explores themes of oppression, survival and the struggle for basic rights.
Kayadu Lohar plays the female lead.
The film brings together Nani and Odela again after their previous collaboration, with the director taking the story into another intense social and action-driven setting.
Early reviews remain divided
The initial social-media reactions to The Paradise reflect a clear divide among viewers.
Some have praised Nani’s performance, Odela’s visual treatment, the atmosphere and the emotional portions of the film. Others have questioned the writing, editing, sound mixing and the execution of the second half.
With the film now in theatres worldwide, a broader audience response will emerge over the coming days.
For now, the early reactions suggest that The Paradise is generating strong discussion, with viewers particularly divided over its storytelling and execution despite widespread attention around Nani’s performance and the film’s visual scale.