Adrenaline, Secrets & Raw Soul: Kayadu Lohar on Embodying 'Subbu' in Srikanth Odela’s Fierce Period Epic The Paradise!
Stepping into director Srikanth Odela’s gritty, smoke-and-dust cinematic universe is no small feat for any performer. With Natural Star Nani’s much-awaited period action spectacle The Paradise arriving worldwide on September 24, 2026, leading lady Kayadu Lohar is at the center of growing buzz.
Mounted on an uncompromising scale by Sudhakar Cherukuri under the SLV Cinemas banner, the film features an electric ensemble backed by Anirudh Ravichander’s pulsating score. Meeting with the press ahead of the release, Kayadu broke down what makes her character 'Subbu' tick, the grueling reality of shooting alongside Nani, and her rapid ascent across South Indian cinema.
"Subbu Isn't Just a Romantic Interest; She Carries Her Own Storm"
Refusing to reveal spoilers while teasing significant narrative shifts, Kayadu explained why her role as Subbalakshmi (fondly called Subbu) marks a dramatic creative leap:
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Beyond the Typical Heroine Mold: "In 'The Paradise', I play Subbalakshmi. While she shares Jadal's journey as his love partner, she is not merely an emotional accessory. Subbu embarks on an independent arc that takes sharp, unexpected turns. The character holds several hidden layers and surprises that need to be experienced directly on the big screen."
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A Solid Acting Canvas: "Srikanth garu wrote a character packed with emotional weight and performance scope. After he watched my work in 'Dragon', he believed I could carry this weight. We did a look test, locked the styling, and stepped straight into this raw world. Being part of a project alongside Nani garu, Srikanth garu, and Anirudh garu is a milestone in my career."
On Nani’s Transformation: "Acting with That Hair and Body Weight Isn't Easy"
Witnessing Nani completely submerge himself into the feral persona of 'Jadal' left a lasting impression on the actress:
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Relentless Dedication: "Watching Nani garu perform on set was an eye-opener. Carrying heavy dreadlocks (jadal), enduring grueling outdoor weather, and pulling off punishing bare-body action blocks every single day requires extraordinary mental resilience. Yet, he pulled it off with infectious confidence."
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Humble Off-Camera: "Despite his massive stardom, he remains one of the sweetest, most down-to-earth individuals I've encountered. His journey from an outsider to a leading pan-Indian star is deeply motivating. Working beside him was an enriching masterclass."
The Creative Madness of Srikanth Odela & Standout Characters
Describing director Srikanth Odela’s working style, Kayadu praised his uncompromising clarity:
"Srikanth garu is a rare breed of filmmaker. He carries a singular, distinct cinematic vision and knows down to the second what he wants out of every performer. He challenged me constantly, pushed my limits, and ensured we gave our all. When you look at the film, Nani garu’s character is naturally my personal favorite, but the turns delivered by Mohan Babu garu and Raghav will detonate in theatres."
— Kayadu Lohar
She also offered high appreciation for producer Sudhakar Cherukuri: "Sudhakar garu is a genuine, warm individual whose passion for cinema translates into the budget on screen. He never once cut corners, ensuring 'The Paradise' received the grandest mounting possible."
Looking Ahead: Big Collaborations on the Horizon
When asked about her pan-South footprint, Kayadu expressed gratitude for the widespread love from audiences across Telugu, Tamil, and Malayalam industries:
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Focused on the Craft: While open to exploring sports dramas, intense action scripts, and real-life biopics in the future, she confirmed that her immediate focus remains purely on acting rather than production or direction.
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Exciting Lineup: Beyond The Paradise, she confirmed that she is currently shooting for high-profile projects alongside Tamil superstar Suriya, as well as a major collaboration with acclaimed director Mari Selvaraj.
Promising a relentless rush of raw action, emotional high-points, and razor-sharp thrills, Kayadu concluded with a firm conviction: The Paradise is a full-meal commercial package designed strictly for the communal roar of the big screen!
