Srikanth Odela Misses Paradise Event: Unfortunate?

The Paradise Pre-Release Event

Directors skipping the pre-release events of their own films is slowly becoming an unfortunate trend in Telugu cinema. The latest example is The Paradise, where director Srikanth Odela was missing from the pre-release event.

This is not the first time a director has been forced to stay away from promotions because of post-production pressure. Sukumar missed the Pushpa: The Rise pre-release event while he was busy completing the film. During Lenin promotions too, director Murali Kishor Abburu was absent from several events for similar reasons.

Srikanth Odela is reportedly still working on the final stages of The Paradise. Editing, sound mixing and the preparation of theatrical prints are keeping him occupied. With the deadline approaching fast, the director simply does not appear to have the luxury of spending time on interviews and promotional events.

Normally, this would not be a major problem. But The Paradise is a different case. The film does not have a trailer, which makes the pre-release event even more important. Nani has already spoken extensively about the film, its scale, emotions and performances. But the event still missed one crucial voice: the director who created this world.

A director’s presence can add something that a hero’s speech cannot. Srikanth Odela could have spoken about his vision, the world of The Paradise, the characters and what he attempted differently after Dasara. Instead, audiences are largely hearing the same hype statements they have already heard during the promotions. There is enough buzz, but not much new clarity about what exactly awaits them on September 24.

The Paradise hype is already at its peak, as reflected in the advance bookings. Now, from the very first premiere show, the content has to speak for itself.

Let’s hope it rocks!