Hyderabad: A portrayal of former Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrashekhar Rao (KCR) in the recently released Telugu film The Paradise has triggered considerable discussion on social media and among political circles in Telangana.
The film, directed by Srikanth Odela and starring Nani, was released in theatres on September 24. While the movie has received mixed reviews, Priyadarshi’s portrayal of MLA Shankar, a character inspired by KCR, has emerged as one of the most discussed elements of the film.
Clips featuring the character have circulated widely on platforms such as Instagram and X, with KCR supporters particularly discussing the resemblance and mannerisms portrayed by Priyadarshi.
The film is set in post-Independence Secunderabad and uses the city’s Paradise area as part of its setting. KCR’s political career had already begun by the 1980s, when he was an MLA. The film also features a character based on former Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister NT Rama Rao.
The KCR-related discussion has unfolded alongside other political references surrounding the film. Before its release, actor Nani had sought permission from Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy to watch a premiere with audiences at RTC X Roads. Revanth Reddy directed him to approach the local police for permission, citing crowd-management and public-safety considerations.
A BRS leader, speaking to Siasat.com, said party leaders were not aware beforehand of how KCR would be represented in the film. The leader also said the character had unexpectedly become a major attraction among KCR supporters.
Political analyst Palwai Raghavendra Reddy attributed the online response to the continued public interest surrounding KCR and his tenure as chief minister. He referred to welfare and irrigation-related programmes associated with the former government and argued that the film could contribute to renewed discussion around KCR.
These comments represent the views of the individuals quoted and do not establish broader public sentiment.
The film’s release has therefore created an unusual overlap between Telugu cinema and Telangana’s political discourse, with a fictionalised portrayal of a former chief minister becoming a prominent topic of discussion around the movie.
.jpg)