Before earning the title of Tollywood’s “Natural Star,” Nani built a strong reputation among family audiences with feel-good films like Ala Modalaindi, Pilla Jamindar, Bhale Bhale Magadivoyi, and more. However, his trajectory took a sharp turn post-2019. Following the widespread acclaim for Jersey and his stellar performance in it, Nani began selecting scripts that not only challenged him as an actor but also set him apart in the industry.
Since then, he has taken on unconventional and intense roles in films like Shyam Singha Roy, Dasara, Hi Nanna, Ante Sundaraniki, and Saripodha Sanivaram. Now, he has two highly anticipated releases—The Paradise and HIT 3.
A Shift Towards High-Intensity Action
The teaser for HIT 3, which was released on Nani’s birthday, presented him as a ruthless cop who takes pleasure in violence. Meanwhile, the teaser for The Paradise, which dropped on March 3rd, took his transformation even further. Directed by Srikanth Odela, the glimpse features Nani’s on-screen mother narrating how a “b*****d” rose to power as a leader of the masses. Interestingly, the explicit language was left uncensored, hinting that the film might receive an A-certificate rating.
A Risky Move?
This shift in storytelling and choice of roles marks a departure from the family-friendly image that helped Nani build his career. His core fan base has long been families who admire his relatable and charming performances. By venturing into darker, more violent narratives, there’s a real risk of alienating a significant portion of his audience.
Is Nani consciously aiming for a top-tier star status by taking on edgier and action-packed films? Only time will tell if this bold move pays off or if it costs him the loyal fan base that made him a household name.
