Raghav Juyal is preparing to showcase a completely different persona in Srikanth Odela’s upcoming film, *The Paradise*. The performer recently shared details about the unusual circumstances surrounding his initial look test, which uniquely involved sitting atop a buffalo.
Reflecting on the encounter, Raghav noted that he initially expected a standard look test, but it quickly turned into an unexpected adventure. He stated, “They told me to sit on a buffalo. I came in, and the first time I saw the look… there it was. And I said, ‘Look test?’ It felt like an audition. I thought, ‘I have to get selected.’ I’ve worked so hard for fifteen years. If I don’t sit on this buffalo, then what’s the point? No matter what, leave everything aside — just sit on it!”
The actor also humorously speculated on the animal’s perspective, adding, “And the buffalo must have been thinking, ‘Are they taking my test?’” [laughs]
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Nani Says Raghav Juyal Looks “Extremely Different” In The Paradise
Discussing his early days working on the project, Raghav shared how intensely dedicated he was to his character during the look test. He remarked, “I said, ‘Yeah, Bajrangbali!’ I had seen pictures as well. It was crazy. I changed the slashes and everything.”
Known widely for his comedic timing and wit, Raghav has surprised audiences by taking on more serious projects recently. His striking transformation for *The Paradise* has also drawn praise from co-star Nani, who admitted he was nearly unable to recognize Raghav in character.
Nani stated, “The first time I looked at him normally… I was listening, but at the same time I was trying to see that… he looks different. He looks different. I don’t know this guy. He looks so different. He looks extremely different.”
Nani further noted, “When people watch the film… they’ll see all our interviews and think, ‘Oh, they must have done something to him, they must have changed him completely.’ Then they’ll watch the film and think, ‘This is not the same person.’ That’s the feeling. It’s like they’ll think we cut you out and did something with somebody else.”
More About The Paradise
Set against a gritty social backdrop in 1980s Secunderabad, *The Paradise* follows a marginalized community as they face discrimination and fight for citizenship rights. Nani portrays the central character, Jadal, highlighting the community’s struggles for survival and identity.
Helmed by director Srikanth Odela, the movie features an ensemble cast that includes Nani, Raghav Juyal, Kayadu Lohar, Mohan Babu, Sonali Kulkarni, Keerthy Suresh, Easwari Rao, Sampoornesh Babu, and Tanikella Bharani. In the film, Raghav portrays Vikram Malik alongside Nani’s Jadal.
The theatrical release of *The Paradise* is slated for September 24, 2026.
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