The dancer‑turned‑actor posted a heartfelt Instagram note on Saturday, praising Nani as a mentor while ‘The Paradise’ posted a mixed‑review opening and steady box‑office earnings.
Raghav Juyal took to Instagram on Saturday with a long, emotional message dedicated to his co‑star Nani. The post, which quickly racked up likes and comments, reads like a personal thank‑you letter rather than a typical promotional shout‑out.
"You have never made me feel small…"
In the note, Juyal describes Nani as a rare figure who, without fanfare, becomes a "safe place" for him. He recounts late‑night conversations about cinema, career choices and even idle chatter, insisting that each talk lightened the weight on his shoulders. The dancer‑turned‑actor also highlighted Nani’s honesty, kindness and the way he behaves when no cameras are rolling.
The Instagram tribute arrives at a pivotal moment for The Paradise, Srikanth Odela’s latest venture starring Nani in the lead. The film opened on Thursday with paid previews that netted ₹11.60 crore, according to trade figures reported by The Free Press Journal. The following day, Thursday’s regular showings pushed the tally to ₹34.65 crore, marking a solid start for a mid‑week release.
However, Friday saw a noticeable dip, with collections falling to ₹14.90 crore. By the end of the weekend, the movie’s net in India stood at ₹61.15 crore. Critics have been split, some praising the chemistry between the leads while others point to pacing issues. Still, the box‑office numbers suggest the film is holding its own against other releases this week.
Juyal’s public gratitude does more than showcase camaraderie. It points to a growing trend of younger actors openly acknowledging senior mentors in the Telugu industry. In a space often dominated by hierarchical dynamics, such candid admiration can reshape perceptions of mentorship.
Fans responded in droves, flooding the comment section with emojis, GIFs and personal anecdotes of their own Nani moments. A few users even speculated whether the bond between Juyal and Nani might translate into future collaborations beyond The Paradise.
While the Instagram post is personal, it also serves a promotional purpose. Social media buzz can translate into footfall, especially when a star’s fanbase feels a deeper connection. With The Paradise still in its early run, any extra chatter could help sustain its momentum.
The note ends on a heartfelt line that sums up Juyal’s sentiment: "I love you, Nani dada, more than I probably ever say." Whether the sentiment sways box‑office numbers remains to be seen, but it certainly adds a human touch to the film’s commercial narrative.
What’s next?
The Paradise continues its theatrical run, eyeing the ₹100 crore milestone in the coming weeks. Meanwhile, Juyal’s Instagram tribute has already become a talking point on fan forums and entertainment portals, hinting that the bond between the two actors may be a storyline of its own.
Stay tuned for updates on the film’s performance and any further behind‑the‑scenes revelations from the cast.
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