After pushing boundaries with Dasara, where he took on a rugged, rustic avatar, Natural Star Nani is once again stepping into uncharted territory with The Paradise. The film reunites him with director Srikanth Odela and producer Sudhakar Cherukuri of SLV Cinemas, promising an even more intense and larger-than-life cinematic experience.
The Paradise first look out starring Nani
A first glimpse of the film, titled Raw Statement, has been unveiled, and as the name suggests, it sets a strikingly unpolished and hard-hitting tone. From the opening frame, it becomes clear why the term "raw" is emphasised—everything from the setting to the dialogue and visuals exudes an unapologetic grittiness.
The teaser begins with a powerful voiceover that introduces the film’s core theme: "In history, everyone has written about parrots and pigeons, but no one has ever written about crows born of the same species. This is the story of those crows whose stomachs burned with hunger... The cries of the corpses that have been walking for ages..."
"A tale of a community raised on blood, not milk, from their mother's breast... A spark ignited that filled the entire community with enthusiasm. Crows who had once been belittled now held swords in their hands. This is the story of a rebellious young man who united those crows... The story of that young man becoming a leader…”
Watch the teaser here:
These words, coupled with stark imagery, convey the struggles of an oppressed community, setting the stage for a narrative rooted in rebellion and survival. The visuals paint a haunting picture of slums scattered with bodies and crows circling above—a grim but compelling introduction to this world.
The teaser then delivers a striking moment: a massive explosion introduces Nani’s character, though his face remains hidden. Clad in an intense new avatar, he emerges with a fierce presence—his muscular build, double-braided hair, and rugged attire hint at a character shaped by hardship. Subtle details, like a watch strapped to his shoe and a countryside gun retrieved from water, add layers to his persona. A belt embossed with the word "HERO" further cements his role as a leader among his people.
This brief glimpse suggests that The Paradise could feature one of Nani’s most transformative performances. His makeover speaks volumes, and despite the lack of a full reveal, his body language alone conveys the power of his character.
About the film
Director Srikanth Odela appears to be crafting a deeply immersive and intense world, much like he did with Dasara, but on an even grander scale. His meticulous storytelling shines through in every scene, paying close attention to details like the tattoo on Nani’s hand—a possible symbol of his character’s journey.
On the technical front, The Paradise excels across the board. Cinematographer GK Vishnu captures the film’s high-energy, gritty atmosphere with precision, while Anirudh Ravichander’s electrifying score elevates the tension, adding depth to every frame. The production design by Avinash Kolla enhances the film’s raw authenticity, and the editing by Navin Nooli ensures a sharp, impactful presentation. SLV Cinemas’ production values further amplify the film’s grandeur.
Released in five languages—Telugu, Tamil, Hindi, English, and Spanish—with Kannada, Malayalam, and Bengali versions to follow, The Paradise is shaping up to be a film with global appeal.
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