**The Paradise: Mohan Babu Unveiled as the Villainous Shikanja Maalik**
*By Apoorva Rastogi | Sep 27, 2025, 03:24 PM*
Veteran actor Mohan Babu has been revealed as the main antagonist, Shikanja Maalik, in Nani’s much-anticipated upcoming film, *The Paradise*. The first-look poster was unveiled on Saturday, sparking excitement among fans ahead of the movie’s worldwide release scheduled for March 26, 2026.
In the chilling poster, Mohan Babu appears with bloodied hands and a lit cigar, a visual cue hinting at his dark and formidable role as the film’s villain.
**Social Media Buzz**
The official social media handle of the movie shared the poster alongside a powerful caption:
*”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.”*
Nani also took to X to express his admiration, saying, *“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 involvement in *The Paradise*. She praised his dedication to the role, noting that he has been rigorously working out to meet the physically demanding nature of his character.
“Whether it’s a debut director or a seasoned filmmaker, his passion and commitment remain unchanged,” she added, highlighting Mohan Babu’s unwavering enthusiasm and discipline.
**Cast and Crew**
Apart from Mohan Babu and Nani, the film also features Raghav Juyal in a pivotal role. The movie is directed by Srikanth Odela and produced by Sudhakar Cherukuri under the banner of SLV Cinemas. Notably, *The Paradise* is set to release in eight languages, promising a wide-reaching appeal.
**Director’s Journey**
For director Srikanth Odela, *The Paradise* is a follow-up to his successful collaboration with Nani in the 2023 hit *Dasara*. *Dasara* was not only a critical success but also crossed the ₹100 crore mark, becoming the highest-grossing film of Nani’s career.
The film’s music is composed by the acclaimed Anirudh Ravichander, adding another exciting dimension to this ambitious project.
Stay tuned for more updates on *The Paradise*, a film that promises to redefine villainy and thriller storytelling in Indian cinema.
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