MOVIE DESK: Pawan Kalyan Opens Up at ‘Hari Hara Veera Mallu’ Press Meet
First-Ever Media Meet for a Film: Pawan Kalyan Speaks from the Heart
Power star Pawan Kalyan, who is playing the lead role in the upcoming period action film Hari Hara Veera Mallu, addressed the media in a rare appearance ahead of the film’s pan-India release on July 24. Directed by Krish Jagarlamudi and Jyothi Krishna, and produced by AM Ratnam, the film stars Nidhi Agarwal as the female lead.
Pawan, who usually stays away from film promotions, humorously began the press meet by saying it was hard to speak without a podium. He admitted, “This is the first time in my life that I am talking to the media for a movie. I don’t know how to promote a film.”
“I Worked with All My Heart”
Pawan shared that making this film was extremely challenging, especially after entering politics. “After joining politics, I couldn’t give the film the time it deserved. But I gave it my best. The martial arts I learned earlier really helped,” he said. He credited AM Ratnam for pushing him to be part of the press meet, calling him a visionary producer.
He added, “So many battles go into making a film. Ratnam is one of the few who tried to take Telugu cinema to a pan-India level.”
“I Came Here Despite Criticism”
Explaining why he showed up despite political backlash, Pawan said, “Some people criticize me for promoting a film. But I stood by crores of people before, and now, I felt I should stand by my own film too. That’s why I recommended Ratnam as Chairman of the Film Development Corporation. Cinema gave me life. It is like oxygen to me.”
He emotionally remarked, “Even if my own son cannot prove talent, the industry won’t support him. The same applies to me. Here, talent matters— not family background.”
“I Almost Quit Films Many Times”
Recalling his earlier days, Pawan said, “I used to wake up at 2 AM to shoot for this film. I’ve told my wife (Surekha) many times that I wanted to quit films. I even fainted once while shooting Suswagatham, when they asked me to dance on a bus.” He also stressed that he doesn’t believe in differentiating between Tollywood, Bollywood, or Kollywood.
He praised Jyothi Krishna as a capable director and MM Keeravani for bringing life to the film with his music.
Team’s Support Acknowledged
Director Jyothi Krishna revealed that Pawan himself choreographed a 20-minute action sequence in the film. Actress Nidhi Agarwal said she felt fortunate to share screen space with Pawan and is leading the film’s promotions with enthusiasm.