Hari Hara Veera Mallu, one of the most awaited films by fans and cinephiles alike, features Pawan Kalyan garu in the powerful role of a warrior who fights for Dharma. Presented by the legendary producer A.M. Ratnam under Mega Surya Productions and produced by A. Dayakar Rao, this periodical drama is co-directed by A.M. Jyothi Krishna and Krish Jagarlamudi. The film also stars Nidhhi Agerwal and Bobby Deol in key roles and is set for a grand release on July 24. With massive expectations already riding on it, the promotional content — especially the trailer — has received an overwhelming response.
Power Star Pawan Kalyan’s Words at the Press Meet: “I’ve spoken to the media before, mostly on political matters. Rarely have I spoken so openly about a film. Honestly, I’m not great at promoting movies — I just know how to do the work. Talking about it never came naturally to me. I never imagined I’d become an actor or technician. My hesitation to speak about films isn’t pride or ego — it’s just discomfort. But today, I arranged this press meet only for A.M. Ratnam garu. This film must live. We’re doing this press interaction before the evening pre-release event because I may not get another chance.
There’s a dialogue from Agnyaathavaasi written by Trivikram garu ‘Sometimes, you must fight an entire war for a small comfort.’ That’s what making a movie feels like — financial battles, creative challenges. Before I entered the industry, I used to dream of working with someone like A.M. Ratnam garu. He was the one who brought regional cinema to national recognition. He distributed Tamil films in Telugu and made them perform like straight films. He elevated the creative potential of the film industry.
This film went through many ups and downs — two waves of COVID, and creative hurdles. But I saw Ratnam garu’s passion throughout. Even when I moved into politics, he approached me and asked me to do this film. I gave it my best. I couldn’t spare much time, yet I shot the climax for almost 57 days, in peak summer. The martial arts I once learned overseas finally came in handy. I worked closely with the choreographers and specially designed the climax. It’s the soul of the film.
In essence, the film explores a fictional journey of the Kohinoor diamond from Koti Lingala on the banks of River Krishna to the Hyderabad Sultans. Krish Jagarlamudi garu laid the foundation for this concept, and I immediately liked it. The pandemic hit us hard. I saw Ratnam garu struggle. He once had producers, distributors, directors, and stars chasing after him. During Kushi, we had pre-production completed a month in advance all thanks to him. Seeing such a person struggle was painful. This isn’t about money or success. It’s about standing by your people and your industry.
Though Krish garu couldn’t complete the film due to circumstances, I thank him wholeheartedly for giving life to this concept. During Kushi, Jyothi Krishna was learning filmmaking in London. From our conversations, I knew he was a sensible director. At a time when people were doubting if this film would ever get completed, M.M. Keeravaani garu breathed life into it. I usually don’t speak about films. I just focus on quality. But for this film, I had to. In an era where producers are slowly vanishing, Ratnam garu stood firm. I left behind a packed political schedule and came here, even while being criticized by my opponents, because this industry fed me.
I personally know many of the media friends here today. I have immense respect for cinema. I took this film on my shoulders because I didn’t want Ratnam garu to suffer. Ratnam garu, Jyothi Krishna garu, and Manoj Paramahamsa garu sacrificed their sleep for this film. So did Nidhhi Agerwal, who took on the promotion responsibilities. I’m here to say this film is not abandoned. I am here. If I can stand up for millions of people and react to national issues, why wouldn’t I stand up for my own film? A.M. Ratnam garu, who started as a small makeup artist, grew into a writer, director, and producer — facing all hardships silently.
Cinema has no boundaries — caste, religion, or region don’t matter. That’s why I respect it deeply. Making a film is like performing a yagna.
I recommended Ratnam garu’s name as Chairman of the Film Development Corporation to CM Chandrababu Naidu — not because he’s my producer, but because he’s a true asset to the industry.
I believe this film will offer the audience a powerful emotional experience. That’s what cinema should do — leave an impact, stir energy.”
Director Jyothi Krishna: “The media has waited so long to hear from Pawan Kalyan garu. His presence today is truly heartening. He choreographed one major action episode in the film — a 20-minute fight sequence that tells a story in itself. It took Keeravaani garu 10 days just to compose for that episode. That’s when I realized — the Veeramallu Pawan Kalyan garu envisioned was far more intense than what we imagined.
This film is set in the 17th century, against the backdrop of the Mughals — particularly a fictional war between Aurangzeb and Veeramallu. Ever since I took on this film, I haven’t taken a day off. My father A.M. Ratnam garu’s determination and the fire in Pawan garu’s eyes kept me going. My entire team worked day and night. I’m thankful to Keeravaani garu and Manoj Paramahamsa for their support. The dream of seeing Power Star on screen in a role like this will come true with Hari Hara Veera Mallu. I hope families go and experience this film on July 24.”
Actress Nidhhi Agerwal: “It’s an honour to work with Pawan Kalyan garu. Hari Hara Veera Mallu is a very special film in my career. I thank A.M. Ratnam garu for giving me this opportunity, and Jyothi Krishna garu for shaping the film beautifully. I hope you all love it as much as we loved making it.
