Nani has questioned the way the term “pan-India” is used in Indian cinema, arguing that the label is predominantly attached to successful South Indian films while major Hindi films continue to be identified as Hindi films even when they perform strongly across different language markets.
Speaking ahead of the release of The Paradise, the actor said he personally does not want his films to be described as “pan-Indian” and would rather see the term disappear altogether.
1. Nani doesn’t want The Paradise called pan-India
Nani was asked about the “pan-India” label during a promotional event for The Paradise.
His response was straightforward: he does not want the upcoming film to be called a pan-Indian movie.
The actor said he ideally does not want any film to carry the label, regardless of which language industry it comes from.
2. Why does the label mostly follow South films?
Nani questioned why a Hindi film that succeeds in multiple southern markets is generally still described simply as a Hindi film.
He contrasted that with South Indian films that gain audiences across the country, which are frequently given the “pan-India” tag.
For Nani, the difference in terminology raises questions about how Indian cinema is categorised.
3. He cites Jawan and Pathaan as examples
The actor specifically mentioned Shah Rukh Khan’s Jawan and Pathaan.
Nani pointed out that both films performed strongly in markets outside the Hindi-speaking regions, including Tamil and Telugu markets, but continued to be identified as Hindi films.
He questioned why the same terminology isn’t consistently applied across industries.
4. Nani says he doesn’t understand the term
Nani also said that he doesn’t understand the need for the “pan-India” label.
According to him, the goal should simply be to make films that connect with audiences across different languages and regions rather than placing them under a separate category.
He acknowledged that the term has become widely used but said he has repeatedly requested that it not be attached to his own films.
5. He still wants to reach audiences across languages
Nani clarified that rejecting the label doesn’t mean he wants to limit his films to Telugu-speaking audiences.
He said reaching audiences in Tamil, Hindi, Malayalam and Kannada will continue to be part of his approach.
His objection is specifically to the terminology rather than to films travelling across linguistic markets.
6. But he admits he cannot control the label
Nani also acknowledged that he cannot prevent audiences, media or the industry from describing his films as pan-Indian.
He said he can only request people not to use the term, while recognising that the final choice isn’t in his hands.
For him, the important thing remains connecting with audiences regardless of language.
7. The Paradise releases on September 24
Nani is currently promoting The Paradise, his action thriller directed by Srikanth Odela, with whom he previously collaborated on Dasara.
The film also features Kayadu Lohar, Raghav Juyal and Mohan Babu in key roles.
The Paradise is scheduled to release in theatres on September 24, 2026.
KnowBuddys Take
Nani basically wants Indian cinema to stop putting a “pan-India” sticker on the box.
His point is less about whether a film travels across India and more about why the terminology isn’t applied consistently.
A Hindi film succeeds in multiple regions? Still a Hindi film.
A Telugu, Tamil, Kannada or Malayalam film breaks out nationally? Suddenly it’s “pan-India.”
Whether you agree with the terminology or not, Nani has raised an interesting question about how Indian cinema is categorised.
And his preferred solution is pretty simple:
Let films travel. Lose the labels.
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