Pawan Kalyan’s Honest Press Meet Ahead of Hari Hara Veera Mallu Release

Ahead of the release of his long-delayed period film Hari Hara Veera Mallu, Pawan Kalyan made a rare appearance at a press meet in Hyderabad. Known for consciously avoiding promotional events, the actor-politician used this platform not for routine marketing, but to acknowledge the team behind the film and speak openly about the difficulties faced during its making. What followed was one of the most genuine and transparent public interactions of his film career.

Right at the outset, Pawan clarified his intent. “I don’t usually come for film press meets. It’s not because of arrogance, I simply don’t know how to talk about or promote my movies,” he said. “This press meet is for AM Rathnam garu. I’m here because of him.”

Pawan went on to praise AM Rathnam, the producer and presenter of the film, calling him one of the first to introduce quality Tamil dubbed films into the Telugu market at a time when straight Telugu films struggled to match their production values. “He was instrumental in enhancing the creative standards of Telugu cinema,” Pawan said, adding that Rathnam’s commitment to Hari Hara Veera Mallu is what convinced him to return to a film set, despite his political priorities.

One of the most striking moments came when Pawan candidly spoke about the financial hurdles the film encountered. “This project faced many challenges. Financially, it wasn’t smooth. We had to fight several battles, both creative and logistical,” he said. These statements offered a rare glimpse into the often-hidden production troubles that many large-scale films experience but few stars are willing to admit publicly.

He also expressed regret for staying away from the film’s promotional journey. “Nidhhi Agerwal has been single-handedly promoting this film. Seeing that made me feel genuinely embarrassed. As the lead actor, it was my responsibility too,” he admitted. Pawan’s tone was not defensive, but reflective, recognizing where he could have done more, even as he clarified that his focus remains primarily on politics.

Speaking of his contribution, he said, “Though I didn’t have the flexibility in schedule, I shot the climax for 57 days in peak summer. That’s the best I could give.” He noted that it was never about commercial success or box office numbers for him, but about standing by people like Rathnam, who have supported cinema over decades without chasing the spotlight.

Pawan also took a moment to acknowledge Krish Jagarlamudi, who was initially attached as the director. “Krish brought this as a high-concept project to me. He had to step away for personal or professional reasons, but he laid the foundation, and I thank him for that.” The final direction was taken over by MM Jyoti Krishna, Rathnam’s son, with whom the film was completed.

Throughout the interaction, Pawan described himself as an “accidental actor.” He said he entered films out of compulsion, not passion, and reiterated that politics is where his heart lies. “I don’t see films as a competitive field. Only one Friday in a year belongs to me. There are others with bigger markets and stronger commercial appeal,” he said matter-of-factly.

This press meet stood out for several reasons. In an industry filled with rehearsed statements and guarded responses, Pawan’s remarks felt unfiltered. He didn’t make tall promises about the film, nor did he mask the difficulties. He spoke like someone aware of his limitations, but deeply respectful of those who backed the project despite the odds.

As Hari Hara Veera Mallu gears up for release on July 24, expectations are naturally high due to Pawan’s presence, but the sincerity he brought to this press meet might be remembered just as much as the film itself. In a business where image management often overshadows reality, Pawan Kalyan’s clarity, self-awareness, and respect for his collaborators made this press meet genuinely stand out.