Cinema VinesSrikanth Odela, who cut his teeth as an assistant director on Sukumar’s 2018 hit Rangasthalam, is preparing for the release of his next directorial venture, The Paradise. The film, starring Nani, Kayadu Lohar, Raghav Juyal and Mohan Babu, is slated to hit theatres nationwide on September 24 after a series of postponements. Odela’s production company, SLV Cinemas, has confirmed the premiere dates but has yet to announce any ticket price adjustments.
In a recent YouTube video diary shared by the makers, Odela caught up with antagonist Raghav Juyal and opened up about a surprising gift he received from superstar Ram Charan during the shoot of Rangasthalam. Odela explained that he had been wearing a locket—actually a sacred rudraksh—since the film’s production, a token he never removed. He recalled how, during the final day of shooting, someone from Charan’s team handed him the locket, noting that it was one of only two pieces ordered by the actor’s own family.
Odela described the moment as emotional, saying he did not ask any questions when Charan gave him the locket. Years later, when he finally approached the star about it, Charan seemed to have forgotten the gesture. “I still don’t know why he gave me this,” Odela said, adding that the experience remains a cherished memory.
Beyond the anecdote, the article highlights The Paradise’s production journey. Initially slated for a March release, the film was pushed to August and finally to September due to production delays. The project is produced by Sudhakar Cherukuri, with music composed by Anirudh Ravichander.
For context, Odela’s debut feature, Dasara, also starred Nani, marking the second collaboration between the director and the actor. The upcoming film promises to build on that partnership, with fans eagerly awaiting its theatrical debut.
