*Nani’s The Paradise falls short of ₹100 crore mark*

Nani’s The Paradise, a Telugu action film directed by Srikanth Odela, recorded its highest-ever opening weekend, but second-day box office figures show a steep drop in momentum. The movie, which stars Nani as Dhagad, a leader fighting for a marginalized tribal community, earned Rs 14.90 crore on day 2 across 7,049 screens, according to early estimates. That brought its total India net collection to Rs 61.15 crore and worldwide gross to Rs 72.50 crore, leaving it just Rs 1.5 crore short of the Rs 100 crore mark.

Nani’s share of the day 2 haul was Rs 4 crore, pushing his total worldwide earnings to Rs 98.50 crore. The film’s opening weekend was strong enough to set a career high for the actor, though reviews from critics and audiences were divided. A sharp decline in day 2 collections suggests the initial buzz may not sustain over the weekend.

The film’s cast includes Kayadu Lohar as the female lead, alongside Mohan Babu, Raghav Juyal, who plays the antagonist, and Sampoornesh Babu. It marks Nani’s second collaboration with Odela, following the 2022 blockbuster Dasara. The makers have reportedly explored international distribution, including a potential partnership with Hollywood star Ryan Reynolds to present the film in global markets.

In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Nani acknowledged the mixed reactions, thanking fans for both support and criticism. He wrote, “I have seen all your reactions and responses. I’m heartwarmed by the way audience have owned the film, and also learnt from the flaws that critics and reviewers have pointed out. Thank you for everything is all I can say. We have made #TheParadise with a lot of blood and sweat to give you a unique experience, and it’s all yours to celebrate or judge. With the excitement you had for the film and the affection you showed on me, I am filled with gratitude.”

The story centers on a tribal community denied basic rights, with Dhagad’s rise as a leader sparking a fight against systemic oppression. While the film’s financial performance remains close to the Rs 100 crore threshold, its long-term success will depend on whether weekend crowds maintain interest, or if the drop in day 2 collections signals waning momentum. The makers’ push for international exposure could further shape its trajectory, but for now, the focus remains on domestic numbers.