Actor Nani, widely recognised for his warm, family-orientated roles over the years, took a bold creative turn in 2020 by portraying a serial killer in ‘V’, and has since steadily gravitated toward more intense, action-driven projects. While promoting his latest release, ‘The Paradise’, the actor revealed that his 9-year-old son, Arjun, would not be able to watch the film just yet owing to its A certification. In a subsequent conversation, Nani opened up further about how becoming a father has shaped the kind of films he chooses to take on.
Nani on how fatherhood shapes his choice of films
During a promotional collaboration with ticketing platform District for ‘The Paradise’, Nani spoke about how his son Arjun’s presence in his life has influenced his professional decisions. “Now, when this fellow grows up to be a 15-year-old, when he watches it, do I have to change the channel? Do I have to cringe about it?” he said, acknowledging that fatherhood has indeed reshaped his approach to selecting roles. He further added, “It did affect my choices of films in a very, very good way.”Interestingly, Nani also touched upon the fact that his son wouldn’t get to watch ‘The Paradise’ for a few more years. Speaking during the film’s promotions in Chennai, he shared, “For example, my own son is asking me if he can watch Paradise. And I said, ‘Not when it releases, but soon, when I think you’re ready for it,’ is what I said.”When questioned about the possibility of alienating his family-friendly audience base through a film like ‘The Paradise’, he responded, “As an actor, I think I’ll have to explore all kinds of genres. This kind of an intensity, this kind of a performance, this kind of a genre is only possible to do in a certain way.”
Nani reacts to the criticism surrounding ‘The Paradise’
A day after ‘The Paradise’ released in theatres, Nani took to X (formerly Twitter) to address the mixed reception the film had received. In a note shared on Friday, he wrote, “I have seen all your reactions and responses. I’ve received all your love and equally enjoyed your hilarious trolls. I’m heartwarmed by the way audience have owned the film and also learnt from the flaws that critics and reviewers have pointed out.“He further added, “Thank you for everything is all I can say. We have made #TheParadise with a lot of blood and sweat to give you a unique experience, and it’s all yours to celebrate or judge. With the excitement you had for the film and the affection you showed on me, I am filled with gratitude.”Despite delivering the biggest opening weekend of Nani’s career, ‘The Paradise’ has so far received a lukewarm response from both critics and audiences alike.
