With the theatrical run and OTT release behind it, the entire cycle of The Paradise is almost over. The bigger question is what Nani does next.
Nani has always been an actor who enjoys goodwill across fan bases. Family audiences and children like him, while his film choices have generally earned him a reputation for good judgment. But The Paradise has damaged that image to an extent.
For an actor who has rarely faced any kind of backlash for his performances, the level of trolling has been unexpected.
Every star has films they would rather leave behind. The Paradise could become one such film for Nani.
However, Nani has one important advantage: he has generally been receptive to feedback. The response to The Paradise should make it clear that an excessive push towards a mass image can alienate audiences who value his natural acting and emotional appeal.
His next projects could help him correct course. Bloody Romeo, directed by Sujeeth, is also an action film, but its stylish treatment could offer a different experience. More importantly, Nani is expected to work with Prem Kumar, the director of 96 and Sathyam Sundaram, on a subsequent film.
That project could give him an opportunity to bring back the sensitivity that made audiences connect with him in the first place. The trolling around The Paradise may eventually fade, but rebuilding the goodwill lost will take some time.
