At a Mumbai press conference, Nani joked about sharing Shah Rukh Khan’s exact measurements and lamented the pay gap while praising his new film’s raw intensity.
The buzz around The Paradise hit a new high on Thursday when its lead, Nani, turned a routine press meet into a comedy‑drama showdown. The actor, flanked by Sonali Kulkarni, Kayadu Lohar and dancer‑actor Raghav Juyal, fielded live questions from reporters and walked away with a string of memorable one‑liners.
“*The Paradise* is an extremely intense film,” Nani said, his voice echoing through the hall. He went on to argue that today’s commercial movies often dilute emotion with glossy song‑and‑dance interludes, leaving audiences with a watered‑down experience. “Back in the day, movies like Baazigar hit you hard. You’d hear the hero shout ‘Maaro usse!’ and actually feel the rage,” he added, drawing a nostalgic line between classic 90s blockbusters and his own project’s darker tone.
The star’s nostalgia quickly shifted to self‑deprecating humor when a reporter asked what he and Shah Rukh Khan had in common. Before Raghav could answer, Nani blurted, “*Our measurements!*” He then recounted a 2014 Yash Raj Films shoot for the Telugu‑Hindi crossover Aaha Kalyanam, where the crew allegedly told him, “Sir, you have exact measurements as Shah Rukh sir.”
“I have the exact measurements but not the exact payment,” Nani laughed, hinting at the pay disparity that still haunts many actors, even those who share a physical likeness with Bollywood’s biggest star. The comment landed with a ripple of chuckles and a few raised eyebrows, especially as the industry continues to grapple with transparency around remuneration.
Raghav Juyal, who was also fielding questions, used the moment to praise both men’s on‑set demeanor. “Both treat everyone equally on the sets. They are very respectful with every single unit member. They are calm. I love those who have patience. Mere mein bilkul nahin hai. I am too impatient,” he said, adding a light‑hearted contrast to Nani’s swagger.
Beyond the jokes, Nani’s core message was clear: The Paradise aims to restore the raw, immersive feel of older commercial cinema. “If somebody is in pain on screen, you’ll feel that pain too. If a character is in love, you’ll relate. From the time the film begins, you’ll be transported into its world. You’ll forget your surroundings for three hours!” he promised, setting high expectations for a film that blends pan‑India sensibilities with a gritty narrative.
The press meet also hinted at the film’s release strategy. While the official line confirms a September 24 theatrical debut, the buzz generated by Nani’s candid remarks could boost advance ticket sales, especially after fans took to social media noting the day‑one advance figures crossing the 29‑crore mark.
Industry insiders note that the blend of nostalgia, humor, and a promise of unfiltered emotion could position The Paradise as a counter‑point to the current wave of glossy, formulaic releases. Whether the film lives up to its own hype will be judged in the dark, but the press meet has already given it a solid promotional push.
What’s next?
The film rolls out across India on September 24, with a limited overseas rollout slated for early October. Critics will likely weigh in after the opening weekend, and fans will be watching to see if Nani’s claim of sharing SRK’s measurements translates into box‑office muscle.
The Paradise promises an intense ride. The press meet proved Nani can deliver the same intensity off‑screen.
The Numbers Game
If the early advance sales are any indicator, the film could join the ranks of recent pan‑India successes that crossed the 30‑crore threshold before the first show. Analysts will be keen to see whether the buzz around Nani’s jokes about pay and physique will have any bearing on the final tally.
Looking Ahead
With the release date set, the next big question is whether The Paradise can revive the raw commercial spirit Nani championed, or if it will fall back into the safe, song‑laden formulas that dominate the market today. Only time – and the box‑office – will tell.
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