The actor addressed the split reaction to his latest action drama, acknowledging trolls while celebrating the film’s massive opening weekend.
The Paradise hit theatres on September 24 and immediately posted a Rs 75 crore worldwide gross, the biggest opening of Nani’s career. The numbers arrived amid a storm of divergent opinions – some critics praised the high‑octane action, others pointed out flaws in execution and pacing.
Nani didn’t stay silent. In a candid Instagram note, the actor said he had read every comment, from heartfelt praise to the more biting jokes. “I have seen all your reactions and responses. I’ve received all your love and equally enjoyed your hilarious trolls. I’m heart‑warmed by the way audience have owned the film and also learnt from the flaws that critics and reviewers have pointed out,” he wrote, echoing the exact phrasing from his post.
He went on to thank his supporters, describing the production as a labor of “blood and sweat” that now belongs to the audience, whether they choose to celebrate or critique it. The message struck a chord on social platforms, with many fans reposting the quote and adding their own thumbs‑up.
The Film’s Context
Directed by Srikanth Odela – the duo’s second collaboration after the hit Dasara – The Paradise promised a gritty, high‑stakes drama. Kayadu Lohar leads opposite Nani, while Anirudh Ravichander provides the soundtrack and Keerthy Suresh appears for a cameo song. The project endured a protracted schedule, with several postponed release dates before finally landing on a September 24 opening.
The prolonged wait raised expectations. Trade analysts noted that the curiosity surrounding the Nani‑Odela pairing would likely translate into strong footfall, a prediction that the opening day numbers seemed to confirm.
Critics vs. Crowd
Reviews have been split. Some outlets flagged uneven storytelling and over‑ambitious set‑pieces, while others lauded the action choreography and Nani’s screen presence. Social media mirrored that split, with memes poking fun at the film’s length and others sharing clips of its most thrilling moments.
Nani’s response, however, shifted the narrative from pure critique to a more balanced conversation. By publicly acknowledging the trolls, he defused some of the negativity and invited viewers to judge the film on their own terms.
What’s Next?
The Paradise now faces the crucial test of sustainability. Box‑office tracking sites will watch its second‑day drop‑off, while word‑of‑mouth on streaming platforms could boost its long‑term earnings. Nani’s willingness to engage with both praise and criticism may keep the buzz alive, turning a polarising opening into a broader cultural moment.
Fans can expect more updates as the film’s run continues, and Nani has hinted at possible behind‑the‑scenes content on his socials later this week. Whether the initial surge translates into a lasting hit remains to be seen, but for now the actor’s candid reply has added a fresh layer to the ongoing debate.
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