At the pre-release event of Hari Hara Veera Mallu on Monday evening, Power Star Pawan Kalyan and other guests spoke at length.
Pawan Kalyan said, "During the release of Bheemla Nayak, I asserted our strength against unfair ticket price reductions, stating, 'Manalni evadra aapedi?' My journey in cinema, now spanning 29 years, was never about records or wealth; I simply wanted an ordinary life, but my fans propelled me to where I am today. I have experienced both massive hits and significant flops, like Johnny, which taught me about the financial realities of the industry. However, I always trusted in my fans' unwavering love, beyond success. My deep love for the country and society led me to this meaningful project. Although a remake was initially suggested, Krish garu conceived this original story. MM Keeravaani garu delivered phenomenal music, even composing brilliant background scores while grieving his father. Jyothi Krishna, trained in London, masterfully directed the film, bringing his father's vision to life. Even as a minister, I dedicated two hours daily to the shoot, thanks to the meticulous planning by Jyothi Krishna and DOP Manoj Paramahamsa. Special appreciation goes to Nidhhi Agerwal for her promotional efforts and Bobby Deol for his brilliant portrayal of Aurangzeb. This subject is deeply personal to me. Our history often overlooks the oppression by invaders like the Mughals, focusing instead on their glorification. The film, through the fictional character of Veera Mallu, aims to depict what an ordinary man could have done during Aurangzeb's rule, when Hindus were taxed for practicing their faith, contrasting it with Shivaji's stand for Dharma. The historical journey of the Kohinoor diamond, from Koti Lingala to London, also fascinated me and drew me to Krish's narration."
What other speakers spoke:
Pawan Kalyan: A Leader Beyond Cinema
Speakers consistently lauded Pawan Kalyan not just as a celebrated actor but as a remarkable human being and a dedicated public servant. Karnataka Forest Minister Eshwar Khandre and AP Cinematography Minister Kandula Durgesh emphasized his commitment to public service and the poor, noting his pan-India fan base. Brahmanandam described him as a "man filled with humanity," a "self-made man" who chose a difficult path, embodying the spirit of living for the nation. Jyothi Krishna even drew a parallel, stating that "Every century gives birth to a Shivaji. In this century, we have Pawan Kalyan garu."
A Collaborative Effort and Emotional Journey
The speeches also highlighted the collaborative spirit and personal emotional investments in the project. AM Ratnam noted the film's release marks a special moment as it's the first after Pawan Kalyan became Deputy CM. Jyothi Krishna expressed gratitude to Krish for the title and shared personal anecdotes, including Trivikram's appreciation for Pawan Kalyan's scene design and his father Ratnam's legacy. Nidhhi described acting with Pawan Kalyan as a "dream come true" and an "emotional" experience, also appreciating Keeravaani's "magical music" and Manoj Paramahamsa's cinematography.
Six Years of Dedicated Craftsmanship
The immense effort and dedication poured into the film's production were frequently acknowledged. Producer A Dayakar Rao revealed the film is finally releasing "after 6 years of hard work," emphasizing that it was made "with all our heart." Ratnam, as producer, noted this project was "special" among his many films. Nidhhi Agerwal gave "Hats off to Ratnam garu — no one else would have carried this film like him."
Unwavering Confidence in Blockbuster Success
A strong sense of anticipation and certainty about the film's success permeated the event. Eshwar Khandre wished for a "massive success," while Ratnam expressed confidence it would be a "blockbuster." Producer A Dayakar Rao assured fans that if the trailer excited them, "the film will do even more!" Nidhhi echoed this sentiment, quoting Jyothi Krishna, "This time the date won’t change, only records will," and prayed for it to come true, reflecting the team's high hopes for record-breaking achievements.
A Historical Epic Igniting Patriotism
The film's thematic depth and historical significance were recurring topics. Minister Kandula Durgesh highlighted that the film's theme would "ignite patriotism and nationalism in youth." Deputy Speaker Raghurama Krishnam Raju and Jyothi Krishna elaborated on the plot, revealing it centers on Veera Mallu's fight to fulfill Shivaji's dream of protecting Jyotirlingas and the Kashi Vishwanath temple against a powerful Mughal ruler like Aurangzeb. Ratnam proudly stated it's Pawan's first historical and pan-India film, designed to both entertain and provoke thought.
