Pawan Kalyan surprised fans and the media alike when he launched whirlwind promotions for his long-delayed film Hari Hara Veera Mallu. In his first media interaction since becoming the Deputy Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, the actor-turned-politician opened up about his relationship with the industry, his responsibility toward the project, and his deep respect for producer AM Rathnam
Suresh Kavirayani
In a surprise move, Pawan Kalyan kickstarted whirlwind promotions for his upcoming film Hari Hara Veera Mallu (HHVM), starting in Hyderabad on Monday morning. He plans to continue promotions over the next two to three days. Noting how female lead Nidhhi Agerwal had been promoting the film single-handedly, Pawan admitted he felt ashamed and compelled to step up. He opened up about his early days, the sudden decision to promote the film, and more in a rare, candid interaction.
This marked Pawan Kalyan’s first media meeting with the film fraternity since becoming the Deputy Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh. The information about the interaction was shared just hours before the event, but as expected, he arrived on time. While the producer AM Rathnam and a few others were missing, director, cinematographer, lyricist, and Nidhhi Agerwal addressed the gathering before Pawan Kalyan took the dais, after warmly greeting a few journalists.
“For the film industry that fed me, and to the producer AM Rathnam, who believed in me — I will always stand by them,” Pawan Kalyan stated firmly. Addressing speculation, he clarified that the film was never abandoned. “If the film is good, the audience will definitely watch it. The success of a film isn’t in our hands, but I must take responsibility and do my part in promoting it,” he said.
He lauded Nidhhi Agerwal’s dedication. “I saw that Nidhhi had been promoting this film alone, and I felt ashamed. That’s when I decided to do my part too,” he confessed.
Pawan also acknowledged his general reluctance to promote films. “I’ve spoken to the media before, but mostly on political issues. 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,” he shared. “I arranged this press meet today only for AM Rathnam garu. This film must live.”
Despite a pre-release event scheduled for the same evening, he chose to hold this press meet, stating it might be his only chance to speak.
Reflecting on his dream of working with AM Rathnam, Pawan said, “Before entering the industry, I dreamt of working with someone like him. He brought regional cinema to national attention. He started as a make-up man and went on to become a producer, director, and screenwriter.”
He revealed that Rathnam approached him with HHVM even before he joined politics. “Krish and Rathnam garu narrated the story, and I liked it. I agreed. But due to personal and professional reasons, Krish stepped away, and Jyothi Krishna took over.”
The film faced numerous hurdles — two waves of COVID-19 and creative delays. “But I saw Rathnam garu’s passion throughout. I gave it my best. I couldn’t spare much time, yet I shot the climax for almost 57 days in peak summer,” he said, adding that the martial arts he had once learned overseas finally proved useful. “I worked closely with the choreographers and designed the climax. It’s the soul of the film.”
In an unusually honest admission, he compared himself with other top stars: “I may be politically popular and recognized across India because of my political career, but as an actor, my popularity and box office range are not on par with the top stars today. My business range is comparatively low. That’s why I felt the need to personally support the film’s promotions.”
He emphasized his down-to-earth approach. Despite being one of the industry’s top names, he said he doesn’t accept projects to boost his own stature.
Sharing more about the film, he said it follows 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. I liked it immediately. But the pandemic hit us hard. Seeing a man like Ratnam garu — who once had stars and producers chasing him — struggle like this was painful,” he said.
Recalling his earlier film Kushi, he said pre-production was wrapped a month in advance, thanks to Rathnam’s efficiency. “This isn’t about money or success. It’s about standing by your people and your industry.”
Although Krish couldn’t complete the project, Pawan thanked him for giving life to the idea. “During Kushi, Jyothi Krishna was studying filmmaking in London. From our conversations, I knew he was a sensible director.” He also credited MM Keeravaani for giving the film its emotional heft: “At a time when people doubted if this film would ever get completed, MM 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,” he reiterated.
He highlighted Rathnam’s persistence: “In an era where producers are slowly vanishing, Rathnam 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 Rathnam garu to suffer.”
“I’m here to say this film is not abandoned. I am here. If I can stand up for millions and react to national issues, why wouldn’t I stand up for my own film?” he asked. “Cinema has no boundaries — caste, religion, or region doesn’t matter. That’s why I respect it deeply. Making a film is like performing a yagna,” he concluded.
In a key revelation, Pawan shared that he recommended AM Rathnam’s name to CM Chandrababu Naidu for the post of Chairman of the Film Development Corporation. “Not because he’s my producer, but because he’s a true asset to the industry,” he emphasized. “I believe this film will offer the audience a powerful emotional experience. That’s what cinema should do — leave an impact, stir energy.”
Pawan Kalyan was set to attend the HHVM pre-release event that evening. Following that, he planned to hold press interactions in Vijayawada on Tuesday and in Visakhapatnam the next day. He will return to Hyderabad post-release to continue discussing the film, said a source. After completing promotions, he is scheduled to resume shooting for his next film, Ustaad Bhagat Singh.
