Nani’s latest cinematic venture, The Paradise, has officially arrived in theaters as of September 24, 2026. However, before it could hit the big screen, it had to pass through the rigorous scrutiny of the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC). The result was an ‘A’ (Adults Only) certificate, a rating that has sparked significant conversation among fans who were used to Nani’s family friendly image earlier in his career.
Directed by Srikanth Odela, this film is not your typical commercial entertainer. It is a gritty period drama set in the 1980s slums of Secunderabad, focusing on a marginalized tribe fighting for their rights. While the emotional core is strong, the visual delivery is unapologetically raw. Here is the full breakdown of why the censor board deemed this film suitable only for adults.
The Official Verdict: An Adult Rating for Jadal
On September 21, 2026, the CBFC Hyderabad regional office issued certificate number DIL/3/44/2026:HYD. The ‘A’ rating was not a surprise to the production team, but it did confirm that the film contains content that exceeds the boundaries of a U/A rating. The story follows Jadal (played by Nani), a fierce tribal leader who rises against systemic oppression.
Because the setting involves 1980s gang culture and tribal warfare, the depiction of conflict is visceral. The board noted that while the story has social merit, the execution involves high intensity sequences that are not appropriate for younger audiences. The final runtime was locked at 174.04 minutes, which is roughly 2 hours and 49 minutes of heavy hitting drama.
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The Core Reason: Bloodshed and Raw Action
According to reports from the censor review, the primary factor for the ‘A’ certificate is the level of bloodshed. Srikanth Odela, who previously directed Nani in the hit film Dasara, is known for his grounded and often violent filmmaking style. In The Paradise, this style is pushed even further.
Key action sequences, specifically a much discussed jail fight and the interval block, reportedly feature realistic gore. The CBFC felt that the graphic nature of these fights, which include close quarter combat and the use of primitive weapons, necessitated the adult tag. Unlike stylized action where heroes send villains flying without a scratch, The Paradise depicts the painful reality of physical struggle.
Understanding the 21 CBFC Modifications
To secure the certificate, the makers had to comply with 21 specific modifications suggested by the board. These changes were not just about visual violence but also the linguistic tone of the film. The list of modifications includes:
- Muting Abusive Language: Several instances of profanity and “objectionable dialogues” were muted to prevent them from being overly jarring.
- Visual Trims: Minor edits were made to scenes featuring excessive gore to ensure the film stayed within the limits of the ‘A’ category without becoming gratuitous.
- Dialogue Adjustments: Certain words that could be perceived as derogatory to specific groups were replaced or removed.
Despite these 21 cuts, early reviews from internal screenings suggest that the soul of the film remains intact. The modifications were described as “minimal” in terms of their impact on the narrative flow, meaning the intensity of Nani’s performance has not been diluted.
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A Comparison: Dasara vs. The Paradise
Many fans have asked how this film compares to Nani’s previous raw outing, Dasara. While Dasara had its share of violence, The Paradise is reportedly more relentless in its pacing and emotional weight.
| Feature | Dasara (2023) | The Paradise (2026) |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | U/A | A (Adults Only) |
| Runtime | 156 Minutes | 169-174 Minutes |
| Setting | Coal Mines | 1980s Secunderabad Slums |
| Primary Conflict | Local Politics/Friendship | Tribal Rights/Social Justice |
| Violence Level | Moderate/Stylized | High/Grounded |
Nani’s Perspective: Why the ‘A’ Rating is Necessary
During a promotional event in Mumbai on Tuesday, September 22, 2026, Nani addressed the certification head on. He explained that the team was fully prepared for the ‘A’ certificate from the beginning of production. According to the actor, the violence in The Paradise is not there just for the sake of it.
Nani stated that the film is a solid drama filled with love, emotion, and relatable human struggles. However, because the characters are pushed to their limits, the resulting violence is a natural consequence of the plot. He mentioned that while everyone can relate to the emotions, the visual intensity makes it unsuitable for children. He described it as the “toughest film” of his 18 year career, both physically and mentally.
Technical Details: Runtime and Release Schedule
For those planning to watch the film, here are the vital statistics you need to know:
- Release Date: September 24, 2026.
- Certified Runtime: 2 hours and 49 minutes (169 minutes of actual content plus credits).
- Languages: Released in Telugu, Hindi, Tamil, Kannada, Malayalam, Bengali, English, and Spanish.
- Music: Composed by Anirudh Ravichander, whose background score reportedly heightens the impact of the action sequences.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q.Why did The Paradise receive an A certificate?
The film received an ‘A’ rating from the CBFC due to its raw action, significant bloodshed, and high-intensity violence, alongside 21 modifications including mutes for objectionable language.
Q.What is the final runtime of The Paradise?
The official certified runtime of the film is 2 hours and 49 minutes (174.04 minutes total, including credits).
Q.What was the release date for Nani’s The Paradise?
The Paradise was released in theaters globally on September 24, 2026.
Q.Did the movie have many cuts?
There were 21 modifications suggested by the CBFC, but the lead actor and director have stated these were minimal and did not affect the film’s core emotional narrative.
Q.Is The Paradise a sequel to Dasara?
No, it is a standalone period drama, although it reunites the director-actor duo of Srikanth Odela and Nani who previously worked on Dasara.
