Nani’s The Paradise has generated considerable buzz with its intense posters, action-packed glimpses and promise of a mass entertainer. The film marks a departure for the actor, who is known for heartwarming roles in Ante Sundaraniki, Jersey and Hi Nanna. Reuniting with Dasara director Srikanth Odela, Nani steps into a darker, more intense avatar. Does the film live up to the hype? Here’s our review.

Storyline

The film is set in 1980s Secunderabad and takes us into the lives of the Savari community, a tribal group that has been denied even the most basic rights. They have no citizenship documents or legal identity and live under the oppressive rule of Malik (Mohan Babu). At the centre of the story is Jadal (Nani), born to Shamakka (Sonali Kulkarni). As a child, Jadal faces humiliation after Malik’s aide insults his mother and etches “son of a bitch” on his hand. His attempt to stand up against the system lands him in jail for 14 years.