Just like the constant race among Tier 1 stars, there has always been a strong competition in the Tier 2 space too. Nani and Vijay Deverakonda have long been seen as the two biggest contenders for the top spot among Tier 2 heroes, and with The Paradise, Nani has now gone a clear milestone ahead in this race.
A Race That Once Favoured Vijay Deverakonda
At one point, when Vijay Deverakonda was at his peak form, many expected him to move past Nani and even enter Tier 1 range. But continuous setbacks, especially big budget disasters like Liger and Kingdom, hit his career hard. While this was happening, Nani kept scoring successes one after another, quietly building his position.
The Paradise Changes the Equation
With The Paradise, Nani’s market value and business have grown even further, and he has set milestones in the Tier 2 space that have never been seen before. If a producer today wants to invest 150 Cr or 200 Cr on a film, Nani looks like the safer and more feasible choice at current market conditions, since he is proving capable of delivering on both theatrical and non-theatrical fronts.
Where Vijay Deverakonda Stands Now
Vijay Deverakonda’s market has seen a decline with his current form, and he needs a string of continuous successes to bring himself back on par with Nani. His upcoming films, Ranabaali and Rowdy Janardhan, are unlikely to open or perform at the level The Paradise has managed. This means he needs both films to score big to climb back up at the box office.
What Comes Next for Nani
On the other hand, Nani’s next film, Bloody Romeo, is also expected to open big, similar to The Paradise. If that happens, the gap between the two Tier 2 stars could grow even wider in the coming months.
Right now, Nani’s market in both theatrical and non theatrical business is undoubtedly the biggest among all Tier 2 heroes. No other Tier 2 star currently matches him on both fronts at the same time, and that combination is what puts him clearly ahead in this race.
