In a fiery social media reveal, actor Nani dropped the first-look poster of veteran actor Mohan Babu from the upcoming Telugu film The Paradise, welcoming him onboard with high praise. Captioned, “There are great heroes and there are great villains. He is that and this and a lot more… Welcome Onboard Sir,” the post introduces Mohan Babu’s character as a formidable antagonist—a rare return to his villainous roots after decades of commanding roles. The film, directed by Srikanth Odela, is set to hit theaters on March 26, 2026.
The Paradise takes audiences back to 1980s Secunderabad, telling the story of a marginalized tribal community fighting for their right to citizenship. With a potent mix of socio-political drama and action, the film promises an emotionally charged narrative grounded in realism. Mohan Babu, a graduate of the prestigious Madras Film Institute, is known for his commanding screen presence and career spanning over 500 films. From terrifying villains to beloved patriarchs, he has done it all—and this role appears to bridge both ends of that legacy.
Beyond his cinematic achievements, Mohan Babu’s off-screen contributions are just as significant. He received the Filmfare Best Actor Award in 1995 for Pedarayudu and was conferred an honorary doctorate by the University of California, Berkeley, recognizing both his artistic and educational influence. As the founder of Mohan Babu University, his work in championing education in Andhra Pradesh is a testament to his multifaceted legacy—one that The Paradise now becomes a part of.
However, The Paradise emerges during a time of increased global scrutiny and tension around Indian cinema. The recent arson attempt at a Canadian screening of Pawan Kalyan’s OG has raised concerns about the international reception of politically or culturally sensitive films. With its themes of identity, oppression, and resistance, The Paradise may find itself in similar conversations. But with talents like Nani, Raghav Juyal, and now Mohan Babu leading the charge, it’s clear the film is ready to challenge, provoke, and captivate.