Natural Star Nani, known for balancing intense dramas with emotional stories, is currently shooting for The Paradise, directed by Srikanth Odela. This marks the duo’s second collaboration after their 2023 film Dasara, a gritty rural drama set in Telangana. The Paradise too is rooted in a Telangana backdrop, with Hyderabad playing a central role in a period setting. The shoot is progressing at a fast pace, with the makers aiming for a release on March 26, 2026.
Earlier, Nani had announced a project with director Sujeeth, known for his pan-India film Saaho with Prabhas and the upcoming They Call Him OG, starring Pawan Kalyan. Due to political commitments and overlapping schedules of Pawan Kalyan’s other films (Hari Hara Veera Mallu and Ustaad Bhagat Singh), the shoot of OG was delayed. As a result, the Nani-Sujeeth collaboration was pushed back, and Nani moved ahead with HIT 3, the third part of the HIT franchise, which released this summer.
During the promotions of HIT 3, Nani stated that his project with Sujeeth was still on, and he would take it up after wrapping The Paradise. However, the actor has now signed his next film with director Shouryuv, who made his debut with Hi Nanna. The romantic drama was well-received both critically and commercially when it released in 2023.
The Paradise is expected to be a hard-hitting film with strong language and violence, as hinted in the teaser. Following this intense subject, Nani is opting for a softer story next, reportedly a love story with Shouryuv, in the vein of Hi Nanna. While Sujeeth’s film is still on the cards, no particular reason has been given for the shift.
Nani’s decision reflects his ongoing effort to balance genres and avoid repetition. Known for his versatility, this move could help maintain his broad appeal, especially among family audiences and fans who connect more with his emotional dramas than action-heavy roles.
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