**The Paradise: See Mohan Babu’s Villain Avatar as Shikanja Maalik**
*By Apoorva Rastogi | Sep 27, 2025, 03:24 PM*
Veteran actor Mohan Babu has been unveiled as the main antagonist, Shikanja Maalik, in Nani’s highly anticipated upcoming film *The Paradise*. The first-look poster, released on Saturday, has already stirred excitement among fans ahead of the worldwide release scheduled for March 26, 2026.
In the chilling poster, Mohan Babu is seen with bloodied hands and a lit cigar, perfectly hinting at his dark and menacing role in the film. The movie’s official social media handle dubbed him “The Dark Lord of cinema” and wrote:
“*Naam hai Shikanja Maalik. The Dark Lord of cinema rises again. Bringing back the legendary @themohanbabu Garu as Shikanja Maalik in #TheParadise to reclaim the peak of villainism.*”
Directed by Srikanth Odela and produced by Sudhakar Cherukuri under SLV Cinemas, *The Paradise* promises a gripping narrative matched by a stellar cast.
Nani took to X (formerly Twitter) to share his admiration for Mohan Babu, stating, “There are great heroes and there are great villains. He is that and this and a lot more.”
### Actor’s Commitment
Lakshmi Manchu, Mohan Babu’s daughter, had earlier confirmed his role in the film and praised his unwavering dedication to the project. She revealed that Mohan Babu has been rigorously working out to prepare for the physically demanding villainous character. She emphasized, “Whether it’s a debut director or a seasoned filmmaker, his passion and commitment remain unchanged.”
The film also features Raghav Juyal in a pivotal role and will have a grand release in eight languages, further broadening its reach.
### Director’s Journey with *The Paradise*
For director Srikanth Odela, *The Paradise* is a follow-up to his successful collaboration with Nani on the 2023 blockbuster *Dasara*. *Dasara* crossed the 100 crore mark at the box office, becoming the highest-grossing film of Nani’s career.
Adding to the film’s appeal is the music by renowned composer Anirudh Ravichander, promising a captivating auditory experience.
With a powerful villain, a celebrated lead, and a skilled director at the helm, *The Paradise* is gearing up to deliver a memorable cinematic experience when it releases worldwide next year.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/entertainment/the-paradise-mohan-babu-looks-fierce-in-first-look/story