Nani and Srikanth Odela's highly anticipated action drama The Paradise has reportedly cleared the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) with an ‘A’ (Adults Only) certificate. The final runtime stands at a crisp 2 hours 49 minutes. The film is all set for a grand worldwide theatrical release on Thursday, 24 September 2026 (premières a day earlier on 23 September).
Quick Facts
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Film | The Paradise |
| Lead | Nani (as Jadal / Jadal Zamana) |
| Director | Srikanth Odela (reunion with Nani after Dasara) |
| Female Lead | Kayadu Lohar |
| Antagonist | Raghav Juyal (as Vikram Malik / Maalik) |
| Key Cast | Mohan Babu, Sonali Kulkarni (pivotal mother role), Sampoornesh Babu; special song appearance by Keerthy Suresh |
| Music | Anirudh Ravichander |
| Producer | Sudhakar Cherukuri (SLV Cinemas) |
| Certificate | ‘A’ (Adults Only) — reportedly certified around 15 September 2026 |
| Runtime | 2 hours 49 minutes |
| Release Date | 24 September 2026 (worldwide theatrical); premières 23 September |
| Languages | Telugu (primary); dubbed in Hindi, Tamil, Kannada, Malayalam, Bengali, English and Spanish |
Early Censor Talk & Industry Buzz
According to reports circulating on social media and trade handles as of 16 September 2026 (typical pre-release “censor talk” format), the early buzz is largely positive:
- Overall blockbuster-oriented tone.
- First half: Strong, with a powerful jail-fight sequence and a terrific interval block.
- Second half: Emotionally packed, intense pre-climax and a fiery climax.
- Nani’s performance and physical transformation (braids/ponytails, intense look) and Srikanth Odela’s rooted, raw style are being highlighted as major strengths.
- Perfect runtime noted; several surprises expected in theatres.
- Some early reports describe the first half as strong and the second half as slightly uneven, but the dominant chatter remains highly encouraging for openings and word-of-mouth.
NRI Globe presents these as reported early impressions ahead of release; final critical reception will be known post-release.
Story Backdrop
Set in the 1980s Secunderabad slums, The Paradise is a period action drama centred on a marginalised community long denied basic rights. Nani’s character Jadal rises as a fierce leader and symbol of resistance against a powerful oppressive system/mafia. At the film’s emotional core is a mother-son story with revolutionary elements, raw language, intense action and high emotion.
Production Journey
- Originally aimed for March 2026 release, shifted to 21 August, and finally locked for 24 September 2026.
- Makers reportedly skipped a traditional theatrical trailer to prioritise the final cut — a departure from standard Telugu-cinema marketing.
- Nani has publicly said the team does not want the “pan-India” label and is treating Telugu audiences as the prime target.
- The censor process reportedly completed around 15 September 2026 with an ‘A’ rating.
- Director Srikanth Odela has discussed the film’s raw and rustic dialogues in interviews, noting that the censor board responds to the emotional context of the story. Promotional material earlier drew attention for strong language, consistent with the ‘A’ rating.
Cast & Crew Highlights
- Nani is expected to deliver one of his most intense performances yet, physically transformed for the 1980s slum-based character.
- Kayadu Lohar plays the female lead opposite Nani.
- Raghav Juyal steps into Telugu cinema as the primary antagonist Vikram Malik / Maalik.
- Sonali Kulkarni takes on a pivotal mother role that anchors the film’s emotional core.
- Anirudh Ravichander’s music is expected to be a major hook, especially for youth audiences.
- A special song appearance by Keerthy Suresh has been confirmed.
Worldwide Release & NRI Screenings
The Paradise releases theatrically on 24 September 2026 with premières on 23 September. For NRI audiences abroad, distributors typically release Telugu films in a wide multi-city USA premiere. Expected NRI-friendly release patterns:
- USA: Premières from evening of 23 September (local time); wide release 24 September across AMC, Regal, Cinemark and India-focused multiplex chains in New Jersey, New York, Chicago, Bay Area, Dallas, Houston, Atlanta, Seattle
- UK: London, Leicester, Birmingham; typical Cineworld / Vue India-cinema screens
- Canada: Toronto, Brampton, Mississauga, Vancouver, Calgary
- Australia: Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth — via Event Cinemas and Hoyts Indian releases
- UAE: Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah via VOX and Reel Cinemas
- Singapore & Malaysia: Golden Village, GSC network
Confirm show timings and bookings via BookMyShow, AMC.com, ATOM Tickets and local cinema websites nearer the release date.
Why The Paradise Matters for Telugu NRIs
- First Nani-Srikanth Odela reunion after the blockbuster success of Dasara.
- A period drama with strong social themes — the kind of rooted, message-driven cinema that has consistently connected with Telugu diaspora audiences.
- Anirudh Ravichander’s music adds strong crossover appeal across South Indian language communities.
- Multi-language dubbed release (including English and Spanish) opens the film to a wider NRI and Indo-diaspora audience globally.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is The Paradise releasing?
Worldwide theatrical release is Thursday, 24 September 2026. Premières are scheduled a day earlier on 23 September.
What is the runtime?
The Paradise runtime is reportedly locked at 2 hours 49 minutes.
Is The Paradise family-friendly?
No. The film reportedly received an ‘A’ (Adults Only) certificate from the CBFC, reflecting intense content and strong language.
Who directed The Paradise?
Srikanth Odela, in his second collaboration with Nani after the blockbuster Dasara.
Will The Paradise release in the USA on the same day?
Yes, Telugu films typically release day-and-date in the USA via India-focused multiplex chains, with premières often the evening before.
What is the story?
A 1980s-set Secunderabad action drama centred on a marginalised community, with an emotional mother-son core and revolutionary themes. Nani plays Jadal, a symbol of resistance against systemic oppression.
Is a trailer available?
No traditional theatrical trailer has been released. The makers reportedly chose to skip a full trailer to preserve the final cut’s impact.
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With the ‘A’ certificate reflecting intense content and language, The Paradise is generating solid pre-release excitement for openings and word-of-mouth. Telugu diaspora audiences across the USA, UK, Canada, Australia, UAE and beyond are expected to turn out in significant numbers for the September 24 release.
Disclaimer: This report is compiled from recent press meets, official confirmations, trade reports and current social/industry chatter as of 16 September 2026. Exact official CBFC certificate details beyond the reported ‘A’ rating and runtime have not been publicly detailed further in major outlets yet. Details may be updated as the film’s official communications continue. NRI Globe provides journalism and general information only.
Detailed Censor Review Companion
For the in-depth censor review — minimal cuts, emotional depth surprise, Anirudh's score as a major strength — see: Paradise Censor Review: Nani's Most Awaited Film Gets Positive Buzz with Minimal Cuts.