Raghav Juyal Defends The Paradise Skipping Trailer: “Mystery Always Works”

Nani, along with Kayadu Lohar, Raghav Juyal and Sonali Kulkarni, recently hosted a press conference in Mumbai ahead of the release of The Paradise. Breaking away from the usual promotional formula, the makers have chosen not to release a traditional trailer for the film, instead focusing their attention on fine-tuning its extensive post-production and VFX work. At the press conference, Raghav Juyal defended the unconventional decision, saying that keeping the film’s world under wraps could make the theatrical experience more exciting for audiences.

“I feel it’s a really great move. It retains that suspense, thrill, and sense of mystery that used to be a hallmark of older films—it’s all there. Everything isn't just laid out openly,” Raghav said. According to the actor, allowing audiences to enter the theatre without knowing too much about the story can make the experience more immersive. He revealed that he had watched the film in a theatre himself and was pleasantly surprised by how effective the mystery was. “When I watched the film in the theater yesterday, I was... well, I was surprised because I knew absolutely nothing about it beforehand. And that element works really well.”

Raghav went on to explain why he believes mystery continues to work particularly well in storytelling, drawing a comparison with live theatre. “Mystery always works—you know, in films or even on stage. In plays, for instance, actors might be sitting right there chatting with you, but once they go up on stage, a certain distance develops between them and the audience,” he explained. Praising the decision once again, he added, “So, I really liked this move—or rather, this movement, I should say.” His comments highlight how the makers are attempting to let the film reveal itself on the big screen rather than giving away major elements through a conventional trailer.

When asked about his experience of watching the film, Raghav confirmed that he had seen the first half and was impressed by what he had experienced. “Yes, yes, I’ve seen the first half. I liked it a lot—I really did. I watched it just yesterday, and I’m still...” he said. For Raghav, one of the biggest signs that a film has connected with someone is when the story continues to occupy their thoughts long after the screening. “If a film stays with you for a few days—if you keep thinking and talking about it—then that means it has worked its magic,” he said.

The actor revealed that the film even became the subject of an extended conversation after the screening. “Because after watching it, Rani Dada and I spent the entire night just talking about the film,” Raghav shared. He believes that the emotional component of The Paradise could become one of its strongest elements when audiences finally watch it. “And I think this movie will strike an emotional chord with the audience. That’s what matters. Action sequences happen everywhere, after all. But the craft—the way everyone has worked on it, the way it’s been meticulously put together—and the emotions... they are incredibly strong.”

Raghav also pointed towards the mother-son relationship at the heart of the story as something audiences could connect with universally. “I was actually laughing and crying at the same time. The mother-son relationship—that’s a universal bond, and I think that’s what will resonate the most in this film,” he said. Directed by Srikanth Odela, The Paradise marks his second collaboration with Nani after Dasara.

Set in 1980s Secunderabad, the raw, dark action-thriller follows a marginalised tribe battling systemic discrimination as they fight for their citizenship under an unexpected leader. Nani plays the larger-than-life, intensely raw character Jadal, with the film scheduled for a grand theatrical release on September 24, 2026.