With The Paradise arriving in theatres on the 24th of this month, the pre-release event held the other day on a massive scale turned into a grand celebration of the film and its team. The makers also released two songs, Anjaana Anjaani and Sammakka, during the event, and both tracks received a chartbuster response immediately.
Nani spoke about the collective effort that went into making the movie. “Everyone from the junior artistes onwards worked extremely hard. You will see the hard work of our Sawari team on the day of release. Kasarla Shyam is another hero of this movie.”
He then opened up about his relationship with Srikanth Odela. “Srikanth is like a younger brother to me. I have felt proud of him many times and admired him many times. There were also many occasions when the film was getting delayed, and I called him and gave him a class. We have experienced all the elements that exist between brothers. When I look at Srikanth as his elder brother, I feel very proud of his conviction. He is a simple person who does not have much connection with the outside world, but he knows exactly how to bring the best out of every technician. Because he is a good person, he connects easily with everyone.”
Nani revealed that the team’s emotional ownership of the film was visible throughout its making. “Everyone who worked on this movie worked with the feeling that this is our film, our hero and our director. Srikanth is going to take The Paradise to another level. His parents must be feeling extremely proud of him.”
The actor also highlighted the performances of the supporting cast. “Sampoornesh Babu has absolutely rocked it as Biryani. Everyone was surprised when his first look came out.”
For Nani, Sonali Kulkarni and Raghav Juyal stood out during the shoot. “My two favourite actors on location are Sonali and Raghav. Raghav is going to become one of the biggest stars in India. Nobody other than Sonali could have played Sammakka. We shot in very tough conditions, but she never complained. I told her to watch this movie in a single-screen theatre and experience the euphoria. Kayadu has done her role amazingly.”
Nani believes Mohan Babu’s presence in the film will have a strong impact on younger audiences. “What Mohan Babu is, what his cutout is, what his voice is and what his impact on the screen is will be reminded to an entirely new generation through The Paradise. There is no doubt about it. I personally know what a great human being he is. He is adorable and an absolute sweetheart. You have to watch and enjoy Shikanja Maalik on the big screen, and you also have to see Jadal, who stands opposite him.”
Nani then turned his attention to Anirudh and his contribution to the movie. “Anirudh made this film with crazy love. For Srikanth, for me and for The Paradise, he worked with complete passion and put his life into it. Srikanth showed me a message Anirudh sent to him. I can say one thing—it is going to be a celebration. Theatres will shake from the evening of the 23rd.”
The actor also made a strong statement about negativity and positivity. “As we grow, positivity grows along with negativity. There is no major reason behind it. I hope that negativity does not reach the people who love me. I hope that negativity also turns into positivity. When we do something right and keep doing it consistently, the people who want us to win increase, but so does the number of people who want to see us lose. I am not saying I will not try to defeat those who want to see me lose. But I will keep working hard to make the people who believe I will win feel like winners.”
Ending on a high note, he said, “The celebrations will begin from the night of the 23rd. From the beginning of the film, you will get locked onto Jadal. What catches fire after that will not be fire- it will be wildfire.”
Nani also thanked both governments for their support and concluded by acknowledging producer Sudhakar Cherukuri’s unwavering backing.