The star thanked supporters, admitted to learning from critics, and left the final verdict of the period action drama to the audience as box‑office figures settle.
Nani’s public reply
The day after The Paradise smashed his personal opening‑day record, the actor posted a lengthy note on X. He thanked everyone who had streamed in reactions, praised the love he’s been showered with, and even admitted he’s enjoyed the “hilarious trolls” that have flooded his timeline. The core of his message was a simple acknowledgement: the film’s shortcomings have been pointed out, and he’s taking note.
“I have seen all your reactions and responses. I’ve received all your love and equally enjoyed your hilarious trolls. I’m heartwarmed by the way audience have owned the film, and also learnt from the flaws that critics and reviewers have pointed out,” Nani wrote.
He capped the statement with gratitude, noting that The Paradise was crafted with “a lot of blood and sweat” and is now in the hands of the audience to celebrate or judge.
Box‑office buzz vs critical chatter
The opening day haul of Rs 88 crore – the highest of Nani’s career – dwarfs the earlier reported Rs 54.90 crore net figure that trade outlets cited for the paid premieres. Whether the film can sustain that momentum remains to be seen. Early reports suggest day‑two collections are holding steady but not matching the launch surge.
Critics, however, have been far less forgiving. One review on Bollywood Bubble gave the film a single star, calling the script “outdated” and saying it leans too heavily on gore rather than emotional depth. Other commentators have flagged issues with the screenplay, pacing, and VFX, while still praising Nani’s performance and the high‑octane action sequences.
What fans are saying
Social media is split. Loyal followers are reposting Nani’s gratitude note, echoing his sentiment that the film belongs to them. Meanwhile, a chorus of trolls has dissected the narrative choices, the period setting, and even the casting of newcomers like Kayadu Lohar and Raghav Juyal. The debate has spilled over into meme‑filled threads, with some users dubbing the film a “blood‑fest” and others hailing its visual spectacle.
The creative team’s stance
Director Srikanth Odela, who previously teamed up with Nani on a hit, has not issued a formal rebuttal. The production house, led by Sudhakar Cherukuri, has kept a low profile, letting the box‑office numbers and audience chatter speak for themselves. Composer Anirudh Ravichander’s soundtrack, a highlight for many viewers, continues to dominate streaming charts.
Looking ahead
Industry watchers will be tracking the film’s second‑day net to gauge whether the opening hype can translate into a sustained run. If the negative reviews dampen footfall, the Rs 88 crore debut could still secure The Paradise a place among the year’s higher‑earning Telugu releases, but the true test will be its performance over the weekend.
Nani’s open‑hearted response may have bought him some goodwill, but the film’s fate now rests on whether audiences choose to celebrate the spectacle or walk away disappointed. The next box‑office update, due on Friday, should give a clearer picture of the movie’s staying power.
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