Actor Nani has questioned why the “pan-India” label is primarily attached to South Indian films while successful Hindi releases continue to be identified simply as Hindi films. Speaking at a Chennai press meet ahead of The Paradise, he cited Jawan and Pathaan to highlight what he considers an inconsistent approach to classifying Indian cinema.

Nani Questions the Pan-India Label
Nani said Hindi films that perform strongly in Tamil, Telugu and Malayalam markets are rarely described as pan-India releases. However, when a Telugu or another South Indian film succeeds nationwide, the label is quickly applied. Referring to Shah Rukh Khan’s Jawan and Pathaan, he noted that both films found significant audiences in southern markets but continued to be called Hindi films. Nani said he would prefer that no Indian film be given the pan-India tag. Although he cannot control how audiences, distributors or the media describe his projects, he has consistently requested that the phrase not be used for his films. He added that he will continue reaching audiences in Tamil, Hindi, Malayalam and Kannada without relying on such labels.

Deep Connection With Tamil Cinema
During the interaction, Nani described Tamil cinema as a major influence on his understanding and love of filmmaking. He credited legends including Kamal Haasan, Mani Ratnam, Bharathiraja and K. Bhagyaraj with shaping his cinematic perspective. The actor also spoke warmly about Chennai, saying the city feels like home and that Tamil audiences have welcomed him like family. Nani acknowledged that his two direct Tamil films, Veppam and Aaha Kalyanam, did not succeed commercially. In contrast, he said the Tamil-dubbed versions of several of his Telugu films have performed well. He remains interested in making another direct Tamil film and revealed that working with Mani Ratnam continues to be one of his dreams.

The Paradise Release and Story
Directed by Srikanth Odela, The Paradise reunites Nani with the filmmaker after Dasara. Set in 1980s Secunderabad, the story follows a marginalised community fighting for recognition amid feudal oppression. Nani plays Jadal Zamana, which he has described as one of the most physically demanding characters of his career. The cast includes Mohan Babu as feudal antagonist Shikanja Maalik, Raghav Juyal as Vikram Maalik, Kayadu Lohar as Subbu, Sonali Kulkarni and Sampoornesh Babu, while Keerthy Suresh appears in a special role.

Technical Team and Theatrical Plans
Anirudh Ravichander has composed the music, CH Sai handles cinematography and Naveen Nooli serves as editor. Sudhakar Cherukuri is producing the film under the SLV Cinemas banner. The Paradise has received an A certificate and has a runtime of two hours and 49 minutes. The makers have chosen to release it without a conventional trailer. The multilingual film is scheduled to arrive in theatres on September 24.