‘The Paradise’: Srikanth Odela reveals he searched for 8 months before casting Raghav Juyal

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Director Srikanth Odela is gearing up for the release of his upcoming film ‘The Paradise’, which reunites him with actor Nani. The film also features Bollywood actor and dancer Raghav Juyal in a negative role, marking his Tollywood debut. Srikanth has now opened up about the casting process, revealing that he spent nearly eight months searching for the right actor before Raghav came into the picture.

Srikanth Odela searched for eight months before casting Raghav Juyal

The makers recently released a video featuring Srikanth Odela and Raghav Juyal as they go on a ride and discuss the film. During their conversation, the ‘Dasara’ director revealed that he had very specific requirements for the character.Srikanth was looking for an actor who was lean, flexible, stylish and calm, while also being capable of changing his appearance and carrying the character's villainous edge.“I was searching for someone who was thin, very flexible, calm and stylish.

Someone who could easily get into the character and carry whatever costume we put him in. I kept searching for a Telugu actor for almost eight months, but somehow it didn’t happen. Then one of my ADs showed me Raghav’s picture, and I immediately felt, ‘Okay, super,’” Srikanth said.The director eventually found the qualities he was looking for in Raghav, whose casting adds a new dimension to the Nani-led film.

Srikanth Odela recalls his first meeting with Raghav Juyal

Srikanth further revealed that meeting Raghav in person strengthened his belief that the actor was right for the role.

According to the filmmaker, Raghav's confidence and energy immediately stood out during their first meeting.“I was a little confused before meeting you but when you came for the first meeting, there I was like this fellow is so confident. I immediately felt that you could easily get into this role,” he said while speaking to Raghav.The director's comments suggest that Raghav's natural personality and screen presence played an important role in finalising the casting.

Raghav Juyal’s personality changed his ‘The Paradise’ character

Interestingly, Raghav's casting also influenced the way Srikanth had originally envisioned the character. The filmmaker revealed that he initially imagined the role as someone more settled and calm. However, after meeting Raghav, he decided to reshape the character around the actor's natural energy.“When I initially wrote the character, I imagined him to be more settled and calm. But after my first meeting with you, I felt we had to rewrite the character around the energy he naturally brings,” Srikanth revealed.Srikanth also praised Raghav's screen presence and indicated that he wanted to make full use of the actor's distinctive personality in ‘The Paradise’.

Raghav Juyal makes his Tollywood debut with ‘The Paradise’

‘The Paradise’ marks Raghav Juyal's entry into Telugu cinema. The actor, who has previously appeared in films including ‘Kill’, will be seen in a negative role opposite Nani in the upcoming project. The film also features Kayadu Lohar as the female lead. Mohan Babu and Sampoornesh Babu are also part of the important cast.

‘The Paradise’ release date and languages

Directed by Srikanth Odela, ‘The Paradise’ is scheduled to release in theatres on September 24, 2026. The film is set to arrive in multiple languages, including English, Bengali and Spanish, alongside its original language release.