The Paradise creates box office history for Nani hours before its grand premiere

Actor Nani-starrer The Paradise has created box office history for the actor hours before its grand premiere, securing the largest opening-day start of his career through advance ticket sales alone. Driven by global pre-sales and paid premiere shows scheduled for Wednesday, September 23, the action drama has crossed the Rs 40-crore gross mark worldwide prior to the commencement of its first regular morning shows on September 24.The pre-sales performance places The Paradise ahead of Nani's previous career-best opener, HIT: The Third Case (2025), which collected Rs 37.80 crore worldwide on Day 1, as reported by trade tracker Sacnilk. Notably, both films received an 'A' (Adults Only) certification from the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), making the high pre-release ticket volume particularly significant given the restricted audience demographic.According to Sacnilk's report, domestic advance bookings have been led by Telangana and Andhra Pradesh. Hyderabad emerged as the top-contributing domestic market, generating over Rs 7.40 crore in Day 1 advance sales. Internationally, overseas distributor Prathyangira Cinemas reported over $1.11 million (approx. Rs 10.60 crore) in North American premiere pre-sales alone — more than double the premiere collections recorded by HIT: The Third Case.The feature marks the second collaboration between Nani and director Srikanth Odela following their 2023 action feature Dasara, which earned Rs 36.28 crore worldwide on its opening day. The advance figures further consolidate Nani's position at the top of the non-superstar box office tier in Telugu cinema. Mounted on a significantly larger scale than their previous joint project, trade estimates project The Paradise to cross the Rs 50-crore worldwide gross mark on Day 1 as final premiere and opening-day venue data consolidates.Produced by Sudhakar Cherukuri under the Sri Lakshmi Venkateswara Cinemas (SLV Cinema) banner, The Paradise features an ensemble cast starring Nani alongside actors Mohanlal, Sonali Bendre, and Sampath Raj in pivotal roles, with music composed by Anirudh Ravichander.- EndsPublished By: Anurag BohraPublished On: Sep 23, 2026 19:15 IST