Veteran Star Mohan Babu Takes on ‘Shikanja Maalik’ Role; Film to Shatter Global Barriers with Eight-Language Release
The stage is officially set for a cinematic clash of titans! The highly anticipated action spectacle, The Paradise, has announced a monumental addition to its cast, confirming veteran actor Mohan Babu will play the main antagonist against Superstar Nani. The film’s makers unveiled Mohan Babu’s intense first look as ‘Shikanja Maalik,’ instantly igniting massive excitement across the industry.
Directed by Srikanth Odela, who previously delivered the blockbuster Dasara, The Paradise is shaping up to be one of 2026’s most aggressive pan-world releases. The film boasts an unprecedented plan to release in eight different languages—Telugu, Hindi, Tamil, Kannada, Malayalam, Bengali, English, and Spanish—underscoring its global aspirations right from the outset.
Mohan Babu Returns to ‘Peak Villainism’
The inclusion of Mohan Babu as the primary villain marks a major coup for the film. Known for his powerful screen presence and iconic dialogue delivery, the legendary actor is set to reclaim his throne in a full-fledged negative role, an area where he has historically excelled.
Nani, who plays the central protagonist named Jadal, personally welcomed the veteran actor. He took to social media, writing: “There are great heroes and there are great villains. He is that and this and a lot more. Here he is to remind you one more time why he is THE @themohanbabu. Welcome Onboard Sir #TheParadise.”
The recently released first-look poster of ‘Shikanja Maalik’ shows a menacing Mohan Babu in a bold, unique avatar, complete with dark shades, a cigar, and a hand resting on a gun. This intense visual suggests a formidable adversary for Nani’s character, promising an electrifying and unforgettable on-screen duel between the two powerhouse performers.
Odela Builds a Gritty Universe
Director Srikanth Odela has quickly established himself as a master of raw, grounded storytelling following the immense success of Dasara. With The Paradise, he is reportedly crafting an action drama set in a dystopian or period-action backdrop, creating a canvas for both Nani and Mohan Babu to deliver career-defining performances.
The film also features Bollywood dance sensation and actor Raghav Juyal in a pivotal role, further strengthening its cross-industry appeal. With Anirudh Ravichander composing the music, the technical team ensures a high-octane sensory experience to match the ambitious narrative scale.
Sources close to the production indicate that Mohan Babu has committed fully to the role, even undergoing regular weight training to meet the physical demands of his character—a dedication that inspires the entire unit.
Global Strategy: Eight Languages Target World Cinema
The boldest move by The Paradise production house is its aggressive eight-language release strategy. Expanding beyond the traditional Pan-India model, the film will directly target Western and international markets by releasing in English and Spanish alongside six major Indian languages.
This strategy showcases the makers’ conviction in the film’s universal theme and Odela’s storytelling prowess. By transcending language barriers, The Paradise aims to replicate the global success achieved by few Indian films and firmly establish its footing in the world of mainstream cinema. The marketing efforts, which have already seen glimpses and announcements in Spanish, demonstrate a serious intent to connect with non-traditional audiences.
With a massive cinematic vision, a celebrated director at the helm, and the face-off between Nani and Mohan Babu, The Paradise is undoubtedly one of the most exciting projects currently in production, promising to redefine the scale of Indian action dramas when it hits theatres worldwide on March 26, 2026.
