Dasara marked a significant departure for Natural Star Nani, who stepped out of his comfort zone to portray a rugged, rustic character- something movie buffs hadn’t expected from him.
Now, Nani is set to impress once again, as he teams up with director Srikanth Odela and producer Sudhakar Cherukuri of SLV Cinemas once again for an even bigger project. Their new film, titled The Paradise, is currently in the early stages of production and promises to showcase Nani in yet another bold, larger-than-life role.
Today, the makers unveiled the glimpse of the film, titled Raw Statement, and the name says it all. From the very first frame, one can understand why the term “raw” is used. The atmosphere, language, narrative, and backdrop are unapologetically gritty and unrefined. The glimpse opens with a disclaimer—raw truth, raw language, setting the tone for what’s to come. A powerful voiceover delivers the core of the story, saying, “In history, everyone has written about parrots and pigeons, but no one has ever written about crows born of the same species. This is the story of those crows whose stomachs burned with hunger… The cries of the corpses that have been walking for ages… A tale of a community raised on blood, not milk, from their mother’s breast… A spark ignited that filled the entire community with enthusiasm. Crows who had once been belittled now held swords in their hands. This is the story of a rebellious young man who united those crows… The story of that young man becoming a leader…”
The weight of the voiceover, combined with the stark imagery, allows viewers to feel the anguish of the community it describes. The opening shots show slums littered with dead bodies, with crows ominously flying above. Then, a massive explosion marks the entry of the protagonist, Nani, who emerges in an unexpected get-up. Sporting a rugged look, including a watch strapped to his shoes and a country-side gun pulled from the water, he walks with a fierce determination, leading his people with pride. Although his face remains hidden, the sheer power of his body language and posture, highlighted by his muscular physique and double braids, immediately convey the intensity of the character. His belt, emblazoned with the word HERO, symbolizes his role as the leader of his people.
This Raw Statement hints that The Paradise will feature Nani’s most raw and intense character to date. His striking makeover speaks volumes, and even without a clear view of his face, the emotion and strength of his portrayal come through strongly. This is just the beginning, and the film promises to be a gritty and epic journey into a world of rebellion and leadership.
Director Srikanth Odela has once again proven himself as a visionary filmmaker, masterfully constructing a gritty and immersive world that captivates audiences from the very first frame. His exceptional storytelling shines through with every scene, as he redefines Nani’s on-screen presence by presenting a character filled with raw intensity. One of the most compelling aspects of the glimpse is the meticulous attention to detail, such as the tattoo on Nani’s hand. This seemingly minor visual element becomes a powerful symbol of the character’s personal evolution.
From a technical standpoint, Raw Statement excels in every department. Cinematographer GK Vishnu delivers breathtaking visuals that perfectly capture the film’s unrelenting energy and intense atmosphere. Rockstar Anirudh Ravichander’s electrifying score stands out, enhancing the high-stakes narrative with every beat. His music amplifies the adrenaline-pumping moments, adding another layer of depth to the experience.
The production design by Avinash Kolla is another standout element of Raw Statement. The world Odela creates is raw, gritty, and utterly believable. Every detail, from the costumes to the set design, immerses the audience in this intense universe. The editing is by Navin Nooli. The production values from SLV Cinemas are exceptional. The film’s scale and grandeur are palpable in every frame, with a level of polish that underscores the magnitude of the story being told.
The Raw Statement, released in five languages—Telugu, Tamil, Hindi, English, and Spanish — delivers the unexpected, setting a new standard and raising the bar for cinematic excellence. The Kannada, Malayalam & Bengali versions of the glimpse will be released shortly. With its universal appeal, the film will have a pan-world release.
