Nani’s ‘The Paradise’ Sets Record Opening After Mulakat

The Telugu star thanked fans and co‑star Mohan Babu after the film became his biggest ever opener, drawing praise for its feminist core.

The buzz around Nani’s latest venture, The Paradise, hit a new pitch on Thursday when the cast and crew gathered for a multilingual press meet – the Media Mulakat – to thank audiences for what the producer called a "steady" and "record‑shattering" opening.

Sudhakar Cherukuri, the film’s producer, opened the session by saying the response had been "incredible" and that viewers were "owning" the movie. He thanked Nani, director Srikanth Odela and the entire crew for delivering a film that, according to him, has become the star’s biggest opener to date.

Odela, who also addressed the gathering, spoke about his bond with Nani. "Whatever happens on set, we remain brothers," he said, naming each cast and crew member individually. He singled out veteran actor Mohan Babu, calling him a "legend" whose performance as Shikanja Malik lifted the narrative. Odela added that the film’s heart lies in a woman’s struggle against systemic oppression – a theme that, he believes, resonated strongly with the audience.

Mohan Babu, who joined the conversation, recounted how Odela approached him. He explained that the director first sought Nani’s permission before reaching out, a gesture that initially bruised his ego but won his respect. "My guru Dasari Narayana Rao taught me that you can push only when you know someone is capable," Babu said, recalling the many takes he demanded and the frustration he voiced on set. He praised Nani’s dedication, calling the actor "brilliant" and expressing admiration for his choices.

Nani, visibly thrilled, admitted he was taken aback by the film’s turnaround. He described the early mixed reactions as a "Lambhi Race Ka Ghodha" – a slow‑moving horse that eventually gathered speed. "Each show now brings more positive chatter," he noted, adding that the experience of working with Mohan Babu deepened his respect for the legend. The star also highlighted the impact of Anirudh Ravichander’s songs, which had already generated a buzz before the film’s release. "There’s a lot of noise these days, good or bad. We needed noise, and The Paradise has been the only topic across platforms for the past week," Nani said, urging fans to keep filling theatres.

The event also touched on the logistical challenges the team faced. Nani mentioned the crew’s perseverance through “harsh mud, rain and sun,” underscoring the physical effort behind the glossy final product.

While the press meet celebrated the box‑office feat, it also hinted at the film’s broader cultural relevance. By foregrounding a woman’s fight against oppression, The Paradise positions itself as more than a commercial entertainer – it aims to spark conversation about gender dynamics in contemporary society.

The next step for the film is sustaining its momentum across the remaining weeks of its run. With the multilingual rollout already in motion, the team hopes word‑of‑mouth will keep the theatres buzzing, especially in tier‑2 cities where the film’s themes have struck a chord.

As the dust settles on the Media Mulakat, the industry watches to see whether The Paradise can convert its opening surge into a lasting box‑office legacy, and whether its feminist undercurrent will influence future Telugu productions.