The makers of The Paradise have unveiled a striking new character poster, introducing Sampoornesh Babu in a role that is dramatically different from anything audiences have seen him do before.
Directed by Srikanth Odela, the film stars Natural Star Nani in the lead and is among the most anticipated Indian releases on the horizon. The latest reveal adds a darker, more unsettling layer to the film’s growing mystique.
Introducing “Biryani”: A Character That Defies Expectations
Sampoornesh Babu, best known for his broad comedy roles, appears almost unrecognisable as Biryani, a character described as one of the most feared figures in The Paradise. The poster showcases him in a rugged, intense avatar, instantly signalling a departure from his usual comic persona. The unsettling look, paired with the intriguing name, has sparked curiosity and discussion across social media.
Sharing the poster online, the makers wrote, “Meet @sampoornesh as ‘BIRYANI’ from #TheParadise ❤ Jadal’s closest friend and the epitome of loyalty
Releasing in Telugu, Hindi, Tamil, Kannada, Malayalam, Bengali, English, and Spanish.”
The caption hints at Biryani’s deep emotional bond with another central character, Jadal, while also underlining the fierce loyalty that defines him.
When Comedy Actors Embrace Darker Shades
Indian cinema has repeatedly shown that comic actors often shine when given serious roles. From Sunil’s chilling turn as Mangalam Seenu in Pushpa to Rakesh Bedi’s unexpected intensity in Dhurandhar, such transformations have left lasting impressions. With Sampoornesh Babu stepping into a grim, menacing space in The Paradise, expectations are high that this could be another standout reinvention.
The early visual cues suggest that Biryani is not just a supporting presence, but a character who could leave a lasting impact on the film’s narrative.
Srikanth Odela’s Expanding Cinematic Vision
The Paradise marks the second collaboration between Nani and Srikanth Odela after the massive success of Dasara. Odela’s debut film crossed the ₹100 crore mark and became the highest-grossing film of Nani’s career, earning praise for its raw storytelling and detailed world-building.
With The Paradise, Odela appears to be pushing his creative boundaries even further. Every character reveal so far reflects his focus on texture, atmosphere, and moral complexity-elements that have quickly made him one of the most talked-about directors in contemporary Telugu cinema.
Music, Scale, And Global Ambitions
Adding to the anticipation is the film’s original soundtrack composed by Anirudh Ravichander, with vocals by Anirudh himself and Arjun Chandy. The music is expected to play a key role in shaping the film’s mood, enhancing its intensity and emotional depth.
Produced by SLV Cinemas, The Paradise is slated for a March 26, 2026 theatrical release in eight languages-Telugu, Hindi, Tamil, Kannada, Malayalam, Bengali, English, and Spanish. Reports also suggest that Hollywood star Ryan Reynolds has been approached to present the film in international markets, signalling its global aspirations.
With a visionary director, a powerful ensemble, and bold character choices like Sampoornesh Babu’s Biryani, The Paradise is steadily positioning itself as more than just another big release-it’s shaping up to be a cinematic event.