While the film explores the mother-son relationship, it also touches upon Telangana history, politics and the region's social realities.

That has now triggered a different kind of debate on social media.

Some viewers are questioning the way criticism of the film is being turned into a Telangana versus Andhra issue. Comments have surfaced suggesting that people who give negative reviews to Telangana-based films should simply go and watch Andhra films instead.

The argument has not gone down well with many film lovers. Their point is simple. A film can connect with some people and fail to connect with others. That is a normal part of cinema. A negative review does not automatically mean hatred towards a region or its culture.

Didn't all kinds of reviewers appreciate films like Arjun Reddy and Balagam and support them wholeheartedly without any regional bias?

The Paradise deals with Telangana history, politics and a deeply rooted local setting. Some may connect strongly with it. Others may find the politics, storytelling or treatment unconvincing. Both reactions can exist at the same time.

Turning every negative review into a regional argument only shifts the discussion away from the actual film. The Paradise can be debated for its story, performances, politics, emotions and filmmaking without bringing Andhra versus Telangana into the equation.

Cinema does not need regional loyalty to succeed. If a film is good, audiences will appreciate it. If it does not work for someone, they should also be free to say so.