Nani reacts to mixed response for The Paradise, says he learnt from the flaws

Nani has spoken up about the divided response to The Paradise. A day after the Srikanth Odela film opened in theatres on September 24, the actor posted a note on X on Friday about the praise, the criticism and the trolling that followed its release.

Nani wrote that he had gone through every reaction, taken in the love and "equally enjoyed" the "hilarious trolls" doing the rounds. He said he was heartwarmed by the way audiences had owned the film, and that he had "learnt from the flaws" that critics and reviewers pointed out. According to him, the team made The Paradise with "a lot of blood and sweat" to give viewers something unique, and it is now theirs "to celebrate or judge". He ended the note by saying he was filled with gratitude.

The note follows mixed and largely negative reviews for the period action drama. Nani's performance has drawn appreciation in several quarters. Reports say viewers have questioned the screenplay, pacing and emotional portions, and some felt the film did not live up to the huge buzz built before release.

The reviews have not hurt the opening. The Paradise has given Nani the biggest start of his career, earning Rs 34.65 crore net in India on its first day. The opening-day worldwide gross stands at Rs 76.90 crore. Paid previews on Wednesday reportedly added another Rs 11.60 crore net in India.

Many fans have praised Nani for owning the criticism so gracefully and are urging him to come back stronger. Some, however, reportedly felt he should have waited until the first weekend was over before responding, since the film still has a full weekend of collections ahead.

Set in the 1980s, The Paradise follows an oppressed community fighting for its basic rights and identity. The cast includes Kayadu Lohar, Mohan Babu, Sonali Kulkarni, Raghav Juyal and Sampoornesh Babu, and Anirudh Ravichander composed the music. The film is Nani's second outing with Srikanth Odela after Dasara.