What was meant to be a roaring birthday treat for Nani has now turned into a social media debate.
The first track from his upcoming action thriller The Paradise, titled Aaya Sher, has sparked controversy after popular Instagram creator Baba Jackson alleged that the song’s hook step was copied from a dance video he had shared months earlier.
And the internet, as expected, is split right down the middle.
The Hook Step at the Center of the Storm
Composed by Anirudh Ravichander, Aaya Sher is positioned as a powerful character introduction number. The track features Nani in a bold new look — braids, facial piercings, and a gritty, aggressive screen presence.
But it’s one particular move that grabbed attention.
In the song, Nani performs a squat-based step with a sharp forward leg thrust, timed to the track’s pounding beats. Baba Jackson, who commands over 2.2 million followers, shared side-by-side clips claiming that the move mirrors choreography he had posted earlier on Instagram.
His post quickly gained traction, with fans dissecting the similarities frame by frame.
Fans Divided: Inspiration or Imitation?
Reactions online have been mixed.
Some netizens supported Baba Jackson, arguing that creators deserve credit when mainstream cinema borrows viral choreography. Others defended the filmmakers, pointing out that dance moves often evolve from shared influences.
A few even highlighted that Baba Jackson himself draws inspiration from global icon Michael Jackson, suggesting that creative borrowing is common in dance culture.
As of now, the makers of The Paradise have not issued any official clarification.
What ‘Aaya Sher’ Represents in The Paradise
Beyond the controversy, the song plays a crucial role in setting the tone for The Paradise.
Directed by Srikanth Odela, who previously collaborated with Nani on Dasara, the film is said to explore themes of societal prejudice and identity. Set in 1980s Secunderabad, the story reportedly revolves around a marginalized tribe fighting for recognition under an unlikely leader.
The aggressive styling and high-octane choreography in Aaya Sher are designed to establish Nani’s darker, more intense character — a departure from his earlier romantic or family-centric roles.
The song was reportedly shot on a grand set with hundreds of dancers, blending mass-appeal choreography with stylised cinematography by G.K. Vishnu.
Director’s Emotional Birthday Note
On February 24, marking Nani’s birthday, Srikanth Odela shared a heartfelt message thanking the actor for his unwavering trust.
The director wrote about how Nani allowed him to challenge conventional filmmaking patterns, alter schedules, and push creative boundaries — something he described as rare in the industry. That trust, Odela said, helped shape him into a stronger filmmaker.
Ironically, what began as a celebratory release has now taken on an unexpected narrative.
The Bigger Conversation: Viral Creators vs. Mainstream Cinema
This controversy taps into a larger debate — how often do viral dance trends make their way into films without formal credit?
With social media blurring the lines between grassroots creators and commercial cinema, such disputes are becoming more common. In an era where reels can influence choreography on big screens, attribution has become a sensitive topic.
Whether this case is coincidence, inspiration, or replication remains subjective — unless addressed directly by the makers.
Final Words
Aaya Sher was meant to showcase Nani’s ferocious new avatar in The Paradise. Instead, it has ignited a creative ownership debate.
Until the filmmakers respond, the discussion will likely continue online. But one thing is certain — the song has already achieved what mass introduction tracks aim for: attention.
Only this time, it came with a controversy attached.
