Nani Starrer The Paradise Nears Rs 100 Crore Globally Despite Second Day Dip

Telugu action drama 'The Paradise', starring Nani and directed by Srikanth Odela, has approached the Rs 100 crore milestone globally within its first two days of theatrical release, reaching a worldwide gross of Rs 98.50 crore. The film recorded an India gross collection of Rs 72.50 crore alongside Rs 26.00 crore from overseas markets across 17,681 shows, according to tracking data from Sacnilk.

Released on September 24, 2026, with paid premieres on Wednesday, September 23, the production opened to career-best figures for its lead actor before experiencing a notable collection dip on its second day. While the opening day brought in Rs 34.65 crore in India net across 9,732 shows following a Rs 11.60 crore net start from Day 0 previews, the second day collections tapered off following mixed reviews from critics and audiences regarding its narrative style and themes.

On its second full theatrical day, Friday, September 25, the film collected Rs 14.90 crore net in India from 7,049 shows, marking a significant drop from its opening figures. Sacnilk data indicated an overall occupancy rate of 32.8% on Day 2, compared to an occupancy of 49.3% on Day 1 and 79.0% during the limited Day 0 screenings. Despite the cooling momentum and mixed critical reception pointing toward familiar narrative tropes, the cumulative domestic net collection reached Rs 61.15 crore.

The Telugu version drove the majority of the box office performance, while regional contributions showed varying degrees of audience turnout across Indian territories. Andhra Pradesh and Telangana remained the primary revenue drivers, accumulating Rs 56.25 crore across the three reported days. Karnataka contributed Rs 7.35 crore, Tamil Nadu added Rs 3.00 crore, Kerala recorded Rs 57 lakhs, and the rest of India contributed Rs 5.33 crore.

Set in 1980s Secunderabad, 'The Paradise' centers on a marginalized tribal community known as the Savaari, who fight for legal recognition and citizenship against an oppressive feudal system. The ensemble cast features Nani as Jadal, Sonali Kulkarni as tribal leader Sammakka, Mohan Babu as the antagonist Shikanja Malik, and Raghav Juyal as his son Vikram Malik, alongside Kayadu Lohar, Sampoornesh Babu, Easwari Rao, and a cameo appearance by Keerthy Suresh.

The film marks a creative reunion between Nani and director Srikanth Odela following their previous collaboration on 'Dasara'. Trade reports indicate that the makers have also approached Hollywood star Ryan Reynolds to potentially present the action drama across international markets as part of wider overseas distribution efforts.

Following the polarized reviews and box office deceleration, lead actor Nani took to his official social media account on X to address viewers directly. Acknowledging both the positive reception and the critical analysis of the film's shortcomings, Nani stated that he had reviewed audience reactions and hilarious online trolls.

Nani wrote on X, "I have seen all your reactions and responses. I've received all your love and equally enjoyed your hilarious trolls. I'm heartwarmed by the way audience have owned the film, and also learnt from the flaws that critics and reviewers have pointed out." The actor added that the team invested significant effort to deliver a distinct cinematic experience, leaving the final judgment to the viewing public as the film heads into its crucial first weekend.