Nani shares how Srikanth Odela convinced him of a body transformation: He said, 'I want it’

Natural Star Nani has played diverse roles in his career and does not shy away from pushing himself to provide his character to fans with authenticity. The actor is seen in a gritty and rugged look for his upcoming movie 'The Paradise,,' directed by Srikanth Odela.

In the teaser released, Nani dons a never-seen look with braided hair and tattoos, though his physical transformation has been one of the most talked-about aspects of the film.

During a recent interview, he shared that he had previously believed body transformations weren't essential for his roles, but director Srikanth Odela convinced him otherwise. Inspired by Odela’s vision, Nani dedicated himself to rigorous training to build muscle and embody the intensity required for his character.

Nani said, "It's kind of an energy ing to crack. And a very sensible guy, with a very original vision, whoo gives in to to everything once he decides wants something,, and then he's behind it. Now even the whole me working out and stuff,, I never thought it was in my career.. A lot of people used to ask me like,, Oh,, when will you go?"" You know,, work out and do body transformation and stuff like that,, like it's needed.. No, okay,y, is it convincing on screen?? No. Thiss guy pushed me to.. He said, No, no,no, I want it."

He further added, "Okay,, so I feel we need these boys around,, and who will actually see a lot more of yourr potential and things in you and push you to do something?? So I think,, uh,, at this point in time,, it's just the guy who I needed,, and he came up with something absolutely crazy. We're starting to shoot soon."

The teaser released earlier showed a haunting world filled with stark imagery, slums scattered with bodies, crows circling above, and hints at the revolutionary tone of the story. Nani's character emerges as a savior for his people, holding a countryside gun and wearing a belt embossed with "HERO."

The film reunites Nani with Srikanth Odela after their successful collaboration on 'Dasara.' The music of the film is composed by Anirudh Ravichander.

It will be released on March 26, 2026, in multiple languages.