Srikanth Odela shared a deeply emotional birthday wish for Nani, offering fans a glimpse into their creative bond while revealing how he “broke every rule” of the actor’s cinema for their upcoming film, The Paradise.
The film, already among the most anticipated releases of 2026, marks their reunion after the blockbuster success of Dasara.
On Nani’s 42nd birthday, Srikanth posted a heartfelt picture from the sets along with a candid note that quickly resonated with fans.
In his message, he reflected on how Nani’s constant phrase — “Ni istam Srikanth” — was, to him, another way of saying, “I trust you.”
Nani Anna, Nuvvu "Ni istam Srikanth" ani anna prathisari I hear "I trust you Srikanth" And that trust scares me, every single second to give my blood and soul to The Paradise. I broke your every rule of cinema. I broke your working days pattern... I broke your release date… pic.twitter.com/p7Z1pFKrx8— Srikanth Odela (@odela_srikanth) February 24, 2026
Srikanth revealed that while working on The Paradise, he pushed boundaries and altered several aspects of Nani’s established working style.
From changing his working-day pattern and release date streak to experimenting with his look — including braids and even a bold tattoo — the director admitted he nearly broke every rule of Nani’s filmmaking process.
Yet, he said, Nani never questioned him and instead placed complete faith in his vision.
Expressing profound gratitude, Srikanth wrote that every time he “broke” Nani’s rules, the actor only built him stronger as a filmmaker.
He acknowledged that everything he has achieved today is because of Nani’s belief in him, adding that he would remain indebted for a lifetime. The note also hinted at the emotional and creative intensity he is pouring into The Paradise, calling it a journey fueled by trust and responsibility.
Sharing the picture, he wrote, “Each time I broke you, you built me anna... You built me in a way that everything i have today is because of you. Nuv namminatha nannu evaru nammaledu anna. I asked you to wear braids....you said "ok ra ni istam" I asked you to wear a slur as a tattoo on your hand...you said "ok ra ni istam" I torture you everyday with countless retakes... you simply say - "ok ra ni istam" I never said this to you directly but now I should confess anna. I spend every second of my life by constantly chasing the answer to why you always say "Ni istam Srikanth" And maybe, subconscious I will find my own answer with THE PARADISE. Nannu nammina na Dharani ki, Nannu malli nammuthunna na Jadal ki… Happy Birthday Nani Anna Indebted for life time.”
Directed by Srikanth Odela, The Paradise is mounted on a grand scale with music by Anirudh Ravichander and vocals by Arjun Chandy. Backed by SLV Cinemas, the film is slated for a worldwide theatrical release on August 21, 2026, in eight languages. Reports also suggest that Hollywood star Ryan Reynolds has been approached to present the film internationally, underscoring its global ambitions.
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