According to trade reports, The Paradise has a massive breakeven challenge in the Telugu states.
The film reportedly needs around Rs. 200 crores gross from Andhra Pradesh and Telangana combined for the buyers to reach the safe zone. That target is huge when compared with Nani’s previous best in the Telugu states.
Nani’s highest Telugu-states grosser so far is HIT 3, which collected around Rs. 70 crores, beating his previous best, Saripodhaa Sanivaaram, which had collected around Rs. 50 crores gross. The Paradise now needs to cross Rs. 200 crores, which is nearly three times that of HIT 3. This shows just how much the business expectations have grown around Nani and the film.
The Paradise has solid hype, which makes a strong opening almost a given. The film is expected to open around Rs. 35-40 crores gross on Day 1 in the Telugu states. If that happens, it will be a massive opening for Nani. But a big first day alone will not solve the breakeven problem.
The real challenge starts after the opening weekend. From around Rs. 35-40 crores on Day 1, the film still has to build towards Rs. 200 crores. That means the audience response has to be extremely strong. Just a decent talk may not be enough for this kind of business.
This is where The Paradise becomes a very different test for Nani. The hype can bring the audience to theatres on Day 1. But only exceptional word of mouth can keep the film running strongly enough to reach such a massive target. For the buyers to be safe, the post-opening hold will decide everything.
