India’s “Mad Max,” ‘The Paradise’ Gets New Story Details – It Will Be a Dark, Gritty Tale of Revolution and Oppression

Actor Nani and director Srikanth Odela are joining forces again for “The Paradise,” a Telugu action thriller set to hit theaters on March 26, 2026. This time, they’re diving into a gritty story about a marginalized tribe battling for their rights in 1980s Secunderabad. The film promises to be a raw, unfiltered look at societal prejudice, with Nani calling it “India’s ‘Mad Max’” and Odela vowing to deliver a tale that’s both authentic and hard-hitting.

The movie centers on an outcast group, compared to crows, who’ve been denied basic rights like citizenship. Their hope lies in an unlikely figure—described as “a bastard”—who rises to lead them against a system built to crush them. Nani plays this fierce protagonist, sporting twin braids in a striking new look that’s already grabbing attention. Odela, who broke out with his 2023 hit “Dasara” starring Nani, says the film’s core idea is simple yet powerful: “You don’t need an identity to be a leader.”

This isn’t a polished or softened story. Odela is clear about his approach. “This time, we are not blurring or masking societal taboos,” he said. “As a filmmaker, I am committed to presenting the film in its rawest form. ‘The Paradise’ will stand as one of the most authentic, original and unapologetically honest Indian films, carrying immense potential and relevance to resonate with a global audience.”

He’s aiming big, too. “If 1,000 of my efforts can make one person from the other side of the world watch my film, I am willing to put in those efforts because my ‘The Paradise’ deserves a global audience,” he added.

Nani, once known for lighthearted roles in films like “Ashta Chamma” and romantic comedies, is shedding that image. After action-packed successes like “Saripodhaa Sanivaaram” and working with Odela on “Dasara,” he’s leaning hard into intense, violent characters. “This is India’s ‘Mad Max,’ and I believe this with utmost sincerity,” Nani said.

“The tone and nature of ‘The Paradise’ will be wild, and that wildness will be accompanied by poetic justice.” A teaser titled “A Raw Statement” backs him up, with an explosive voiceover from his character’s mother setting a fierce tone.

The film’s world, a fictional take on Secunderabad called “The Paradise,” comes alive through G.K. Vishnu’s sharp cinematography and Anirudh Ravichander’s electrifying music. Anirudh, who’s worked with Nani before on “Gang Leader” and “Jersey,” adds a bold score to match the visuals.

Janhvi Kapoor and Sonali Kulkarni join Nani in key roles, supported by a strong cast. Sudhakar Cherukuri produces under Sri Lakshmi Venkateshwara Cinemas, with editing by Navin Nooli and a screenplay crafted by Odela and a team of writers.

After “Dasara” earned Odela best director awards from Filmfare, SIIMA, and IIFA—making him the first debut director to sweep all three—he’s now pushing to take “The Paradise” beyond India.

The film will release in multiple languages, including Telugu, Tamil, Kannada, Malayalam, Hindi, Bengali, English, and Spanish, targeting a worldwide audience. Early buzz from fans is strong, fueled by the teaser’s gritty vibe and Nani’s transformation. This could be a game-changer for both the actor and director.