The Paradise is set to hit theatres on September 24, backed by a wave of enthusiasm that has translated into more than ₹40 crore of advance bookings across six premium show dates. The film, directed by Srikanth Odela and starring the ever-popular Nani has already sparked a frenzy in Telugu-speaking territories, with Hyderabad alone accounting for roughly ₹7.5 crore of pre-release revenue.
Paid premieres began on a Wednesday evening, and early box-office trackers from Sacnilk indicate that the opening day alone has secured close to ₹20 crore in advance sales. While the Central Board of Film Certification has slapped the movie with an ‘A’ certificate the demand has not waned, suggesting that the audience is willing to trade the restriction for the promise of a high-octane drama.
Box office buzz and advance bookings
The financial momentum surrounding The Paradise is largely driven by strong performances in the Telugu heartland of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh. Trade analysts note that the film’s pre-release numbers surpass many contemporary blockbusters, positioning it as a potential heavyweight in the September release window. North America has also shown appreciable interest, with overseas Telugu diaspora contributing a noticeable share of the advance revenue.
Despite the impressive figures, the true test will be the conversion of these bookings into actual occupancy on release day. Occupancy rates, especially for the regular (non-block) seats, will determine whether the film can sustain its momentum beyond the paid premieres. Observers caution that while the advance collection provides a solid safety net, the final first-day gross could still fluctuate based on last-minute ticket sales and the
Critical reception and audience response
Early reactions on social platforms paint a divided picture. Some viewers categorize the film as a “below-average entertainer,” pointing to a sluggish second half and an over-reliance on graphic violence. Others applaud Nani’s commitment, describing his performance as a “saviour” figure battling oppression in 1980s Secunderabad. The narrative follows Jadal (Nani), a member of a marginalised tribe, as he confronts the cruel feudal lord Malik, portrayed by Mohan Babu.
Critics highlight that the story’s ambition—tackling themes of feudalism, identity, and systemic oppression—gets lost amid excessive gore and an uneven chapter-based structure. The film is divided into segments such as “Womb of Scars” and “Butterfly,” a stylistic choice that many feel fragments the narrative rather than clarifies it. Moreover, the villain’s screen time feels limited, with only a single decisive confrontation that many compare unfavourably to other recent epics.
Story premise and performances
The core of the drama rests on the mother-son bond between Jadal and his mother Shamakka, played by Sonali Kulkarni. Their relationship provides the emotional anchor amid the larger chaos, but even this thread is sometimes handled with convenience, diluting its impact. Supporting actors such as Raghav Juyal (in his Telugu debut) and newcomer Kayadu Lohar add texture, though their characters receive limited development.
Despite the narrative pitfalls, Nani delivers a high-energy performance, attempting to hold the sprawling film together. His portrayal of a rebel fueled by childhood humiliation—particularly a scene where Malik publicly shames his mother—offers moments of genuine intensity. Yet, the film’s heavy reliance on sensationalist violence, including recurring torture of pregnant women, alienates viewers seeking a more nuanced exploration of oppression.
Industry peers, including Vijay Deverakonda, Sundeep Kishan and Dulquer Salmaan, have publicly wished the team success, underscoring the camaraderie within Telugu cinema. Their endorsements, however, have not insulated the film from the mixed critical landscape it now inhabits.
The coming days will reveal whether the record-setting advance bookings translate into a lasting triumph or become a cautionary tale of over-hyped spectacle.
