Why Filmmakers Built an Entire Slum for One Song: The Making of a Massive Set for The Paradise

In recent weeks, discussion around the upcoming Telugu film The Paradise has extended beyond its cast and storyline to focus on an unusual production decision: the construction of a vast, realistic slum environment for a single song sequence. The set, built for the song “Aaya Sher,” reportedly spans several acres and includes dozens of houses, a large water body, and multiple structures designed to resemble an urban settlement.

The scale of this construction has drawn attention not only from film fans but also from industry observers interested in how modern filmmaking blends practical set design with digital techniques. While large sets have long been part of Indian cinema, this project reflects a renewed emphasis on physical environments that can create a sense of realism on screen.

This article explores how the set was built, why filmmakers sometimes choose large physical sets over computer-generated imagery (CGI), and what this approach reveals about evolving trends in film production.

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The Film Behind the Buzz

The Paradise is an upcoming Telugu-language action thriller starring actor Nani and directed by Srikanth Odela. It marks the second collaboration between the two after their earlier film Dasara. The project is produced by Sri Lakshmi Venkateswara Cinemas and has been reported to carry a large production budget.

The film’s narrative is set against the backdrop of marginalized communities struggling for recognition and rights, presenting a gritty story of resistance and survival.

Because of the film’s setting and themes, the production team sought to create environments that resemble dense urban settlements where much of the story unfolds.

Key Production Details

Aspect	Details
Film Title	The Paradise
Lead Actor	Nani
Director	Srikanth Odela
Music Composer	Anirudh Ravichander
Production Company	Sri Lakshmi Venkateswara Cinemas
Planned Release	March 2026
Reported Budget	Around ₹150 crore

The ambitious set construction for the “Aaya Sher” song forms one of the most visually elaborate elements of the film’s production.

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The Massive Set Built for a Song

For the “Aaya Sher” sequence, the production team created a large slum-style set covering approximately 2.5 acres of land. The area was designed to resemble a densely populated settlement with narrow lanes, closely built homes, and shared community spaces.

The set included several notable features:

• Around 60 constructed houses designed to look like real dwellings
• A large water-body village set built within the environment
• A hero house structure measuring roughly 60 feet wide and 45 feet tall
• The use of around 100 water tankers to create the required water-filled environment
• A workforce of dozens of technicians and workers involved in construction over several weeks

The idea was to create an immersive environment that could host large numbers of performers and dancers during filming.

Example Elements of the Set

Set Element	Description
Slum Housing Area	Approximately 60 houses built to resemble urban settlement structures
Water Village	Artificial water body created with tankers
Hero House	Large central building used as a focal point for scenes
Large Props	Custom-designed installations including oversized decorative structures
Crowd Space	Area designed to accommodate hundreds of performers

Such large sets are designed not only for visual impact but also for logistical reasons, allowing choreographers and directors to stage complex scenes involving many participants.

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Why Filmmakers Sometimes Build Real Sets Instead of Using CGI

In contemporary filmmaking, computer-generated imagery (CGI) is widely used to create environments that would otherwise be difficult or expensive to construct physically. However, some directors still prefer practical sets.

There are several reasons for this choice.

1. Realistic Interaction

When actors perform within physical environments, their movements and interactions often appear more natural. Props, walls, and structures respond to touch, movement, and lighting in ways that digital objects may struggle to replicate convincingly.

2. Camera Flexibility

Physical sets allow cinematographers to capture scenes from many angles without needing extensive digital post-production. This can simplify filming complex sequences such as dance numbers or action scenes.

3. Lighting Authenticity

Natural light behaves differently on real surfaces than on computer-generated ones. Directors often prefer practical sets when the visual tone of a scene relies heavily on texture and atmosphere.

4. Crowd Scenes

Large dance sequences or crowd scenes may require hundreds of performers moving through the environment. Real sets make choreography easier because performers can physically navigate the space.

In the case of The Paradise, the filmmakers reportedly chose practical construction to create a gritty and immersive world consistent with the film’s story.

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The Logistics of Building a Temporary Village

Constructing large film sets requires planning similar to that used in infrastructure projects. Teams must coordinate design, material sourcing, safety measures, and time management.

For a set like the one used in The Paradise, the process likely included several stages.

Design and Concept

Art directors first create sketches and digital models that show how the environment should look. These designs must match the film’s story period and visual style.

Material Procurement

Temporary structures are often built using wood, metal frames, plasterboard, and lightweight materials that can mimic concrete or brick.

Construction

Workers assemble houses, streets, and props according to the design plan. The goal is to make the structures appear authentic on camera even if they are temporary.

Environmental Effects

Special effects teams then add features such as water, smoke, or lighting effects required for filming.

Safety Measures

Because hundreds of people may be present on set, safety inspections are essential to ensure that structures remain stable during filming.

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A Tradition of Large Sets in Indian Cinema

While digital effects are now common, Indian cinema has a long history of building elaborate sets.

Some notable examples include:

Film	Set Feature
Baahubali series	Massive kingdom sets representing the fictional Mahishmati empire
Padmaavat	Historical palace environments
RRR	Period-era city streets and palaces
Dasara	Mining town environments reflecting rural Telangana

Large physical sets have often helped filmmakers portray historical or fictional worlds that cannot be filmed in existing locations.

The approach used in The Paradise follows this tradition while adapting it to a contemporary urban setting.

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Economic Impact of Large Film Productions

Large productions can have economic ripple effects in the regions where they are filmed.

Employment

Construction crews, carpenters, painters, electricians, and technicians may all find temporary employment during set creation.

Local Services

Film shoots often rely on local services such as transportation, catering, and equipment rentals.

Tourism and Media Attention

Large film sets sometimes become points of interest for visitors and fans, especially when the films gain widespread popularity.

However, these projects also involve high costs and careful budget planning.

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Environmental Considerations

Large film sets can raise questions about environmental impact. Production teams increasingly attempt to reduce waste and limit disturbance to surrounding areas.

Possible measures include:

• Using recyclable materials
• Avoiding permanent land alteration
• Reusing structures for future shoots
• Managing water usage responsibly

Reports about the The Paradise set suggest efforts were made to integrate the structures into the natural landscape while minimizing environmental disruption.

Such practices are becoming more common as the film industry responds to growing concerns about sustainability.

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The Role of Song Sequences in Indian Cinema

Unlike many Western films, Indian movies often include elaborate song sequences that play a major role in storytelling and marketing.

Songs can serve multiple functions:

• Introducing characters
• Highlighting emotional moments
• Establishing the cultural setting
• Creating promotional material for audiences

Because these sequences are visually important, filmmakers frequently invest significant resources in their production.

The “Aaya Sher” song appears designed to introduce or emphasize the protagonist’s role within the film’s social environment.

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Challenges in Large-Scale Set Construction

While visually impressive, large sets also present challenges.

Cost Management

Building extensive sets can significantly increase production budgets.

Time Constraints

Construction schedules must align with filming timelines to avoid delays.

Weather and Maintenance

Outdoor sets are vulnerable to weather damage and may require constant maintenance.

Space Requirements

Finding suitable land for large constructions can be difficult in urban areas.

These challenges require coordination between producers, art departments, and location managers.

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What Happens to Film Sets After Shooting?

Once filming is completed, large temporary sets may be dismantled, repurposed, or reused.

Possible outcomes include:

• Recycling construction materials
• Converting sets into studio backlots for future productions
• Opening certain locations for tourism or exhibitions

In many cases, the sets are removed entirely to restore the land to its original state.

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What This Means for the Future of Film Production

The decision to construct large practical environments for The Paradise highlights a broader trend in filmmaking: blending traditional craftsmanship with modern technology.

Rather than relying exclusively on digital effects, many directors are combining:

• Real sets
• Practical effects
• CGI enhancements

This hybrid approach can create visually convincing worlds while maintaining creative flexibility.

It also underscores the continued importance of production design — the discipline responsible for shaping the physical environments of films.

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Looking Ahead

With its release scheduled for 2026, The Paradise is expected to showcase the results of these ambitious production efforts.

Whether the large slum set becomes one of the film’s defining visual elements will ultimately depend on how it contributes to storytelling and audience engagement.

What is clear, however, is that the project reflects the evolving scale and ambition of modern Telugu cinema. As filmmakers continue to experiment with production techniques, projects like this demonstrate how traditional craftsmanship and contemporary filmmaking methods can coexist to create immersive cinematic experiences.