Nani’s latest film, ‘The Paradise’, has been running in theatres since its August 24 release. The film recorded the actor’s biggest opening yet, collecting over Rs 76.90 crore at the box office, although it received a mixed response from audiences.Amid the discussions surrounding the film, Nani recently opened up about his decision to reunite with director Srikanth Odela, who previously collaborated with him on ‘Dasara’. During a promotional video shoot for ‘The Paradise’ with ticketing platform District, the actor explained what drew him to the project.
Nani reveals why he chose ‘The Paradise’
Speaking about his decision to headline ‘The Paradise’, Nani said his confidence in Srikanth Odela played a key role. According to the actor, the filmmaker wanted to create a mainstream commercial film while giving it a distinctive visual and emotional treatment.“Certain confidence on Srikanth (The Paradise director). He was trying to kind of create an experience for the audience in a mainstream commercial cinema. But not what we are, you know, seeing regularly. It has very unique raw kind of an energy,” Nani said.The actor added that the film also retains the elements audiences expect from commercial cinema, while presenting them in a technically strong and emotionally engaging manner.“But at the same time, it has all the theatrical highs which the audience expect out of a commercial cinema but in a very, very technically strong way and emotionally absorbing way,” he added.
Nani says he is ‘not at all like Jadal’
In ‘The Paradise’, Nani plays Jadal, an intense character who is markedly different from the actor’s real-life personality. When asked whether he identifies with the character, Nani made it clear that there is little similarity between them.“I’m not at all like Jadal in Paradise. Maybe I’m a little closer to Surya in Saripodhaa Sanivaaram (also known as Surya’s Saturday). Not that I get angry on Saturday or anything like that,” Nani said.He also compared himself to Gautam, the character he played in Ala Modalaindi.“Generally the character I am at home. And also Gautam in Ala Modalaindi,” he added.
‘The character was so heavy’: Nani on coming out of Jadal
Nani also opened up about the impact of playing Jadal and explained that it took him some time to completely move away from the character after filming.“For intense films like Paradise, it takes a little time for you to fully get out of it. Because the character was so heavy,” he said.The actor also pointed to the physical transformation and demanding shooting conditions involved in the film. From his braided hairstyle and elaborate costumes to filming in rain, dust, wind and fire, Nani said the experience was unlike his usual appearance.“And my costumes feel lighter because in Paradise I’m having these braids, the big and the whole costumes and most of the film we shot in rains and dust and wind and fire and all of that. I’m suddenly feeling a little too naked,” he said.
About ‘The Paradise’
‘The Paradise’ reunited Nani with Srikanth Odela after their collaboration on ‘Dasara’. The film follows a more intense and rugged world, with Nani taking on the role of Jadal.Following the film’s release and the mixed response from viewers, Nani addressed the criticism on social media. The actor thanked audiences for their support and said he enjoyed the trolling, while also acknowledging that he had learned from the film’s flaws.
