I Will Stand By the Film Industry That Fed Me and the Producer Who Believed in Me: Power Star Pawan Kalyan at 'Hari Hara Veera Mallu' Press Meet
Power Star Pawan Kalyan, along with film enthusiasts, is eagerly awaiting the release of 'Hari Hara Veera Mallu.' Kalyan is set to mesmerize audiences in the role of a warrior fighting for dharma. Presented by renowned producer A.M. Rathnam and produced on a grand budget by A. Dayakar Rao under the Mega Surya Production banner, this periodical drama is directed by A.M. Jyothi Krishna and Krish Jagarlamudi. Nidhhi Agerwal and Bobby Deol play pivotal roles. With its release slated for July 24th, expectations for 'Hari Hara Veera Mallu' are sky-high. The already released promotional materials and songs have received an overwhelming response, with the recently unveiled trailer further doubling the anticipation. The film team recently held a grand press conference and a special press premiere.
Power Star Pawan Kalyan: A Deep-Rooted Commitment to Cinema
Speaking at the pre-release press meet, movie presenter Rana Daggubati introduced Power Star Pawan Kalyan, who then addressed the media: "Hello everyone. I have discussed politics with media friends, but I haven't spoken much for a film like this. I feel hesitant to talk about films. I don't know how to promote a film. I only know how to work, but it's difficult for me to boast about how much I've done. I became an actor and a technician by chance. My reluctance to talk to the media about films is not due to arrogance or ego. I feel uncomfortable talking about cinema. However, the reason I held this press meet is for A.M. Rathnam Garu. Cinema must survive."
Kalyan explained the unique timing: "Why are we holding a press meet now, just before the pre-release event this evening? It's with the intention that I might not get another chance to speak with media friends after the event. Trivikram Garu wrote a line in the film Agnathavasi: 'For a small comfort, one might have to fight a war.' If that's the case, how many wars must one fight to make a film? Be it financially or creatively."
He spoke of his long-standing admiration for Rathnam: "Before I entered films, I used to wish that someone like A.M. Rathnam Garu would be my producer. He is the person who took regional cinema to a national level. He is the one who released Tamil films in Telugu and made them run successfully like straight films, proving his mettle. He is a person who increased the creative potential of the film industry."
Kalyan detailed the film's arduous journey: "This film faced many ups and downs. It endured two COVID situations. It faced some creative difficulties. Whatever we do, whatever challenges we face, we always want the film to turn out well. For this film, I specifically saw A.M. Rathnam Garu's dedication. Especially after I entered politics and moved away from direction and the creative part, when my primary focus was on politics, he came to me and asked me to do a film again. I gave my best. Currently, I cannot give much time. Yet, I had to shoot for almost 57 days just for the climax. We shot in the scorching heat of May. The martial arts I learned abroad long ago came in handy for this film now. We sat with the choreographers and specially designed the climax. This is the lifeline of the film."
He briefly touched upon the plot: "To briefly tell you about the film, it's a story about how the Kohinoor diamond found near Kolluru on the banks of the Krishna River came into the hands of the Hyderabad Sultans, and its subsequent journey. The foundation for this was laid by Krish Jagarlamudi Garu. He came with a good concept. When he and Rathnam Garu narrated this story, I liked it and immediately said okay. However, Corona severely impacted the film."
Kalyan expressed his concern for Rathnam: "I have seen A.M. Rathnam Garu up close. There was a time when producers, distributors, heroes, and directors used to follow him. During the film Kushi, our pre-production was completed a month in advance. He provided us with such comfort. It pained me to see such a person struggling. This is not about money or success; it's about standing by our people, for the film industry, with belief. Even though Krish Garu couldn't complete this film for some reasons, my heartfelt thanks to him for laying the foundation for this film with a good concept."
He also acknowledged the new director: "When I was doing the film Kushi, Jyothi Krishna was doing a filmmaking course in London. Talking to him, he seemed like a sensible director. At a time when there were whispers about whether this film would even be completed, the person who gave us oxygen was Keeravani Garu."
Kalyan reiterated his commitment: "I always focus on film quality, but I don't talk much about films. However, for this film, I felt it was necessary to speak. At a time when producers are disappearing, with the intention of supporting a strong producer who made a film and withstood challenges, I left my busy schedule and came here, even though opponents are criticizing me. Because the film industry fed me. Many media friends here know me personally. I have immense respect for cinema. I don't want a producer like Rathnam Garu to face difficulties. So, I took this film onto my shoulders. Rathnam Garu, Jyothi Krishna Garu, Manoj Paramahamsa Garu worked tirelessly, sacrificing sleep for this film. Also, Nidhhi Agerwal took on the responsibility of film promotion. This film is not an orphan; I came here today to say that I am here for it."
He connected his political role to his cinematic commitment: "I am someone who stands by crores of people, who responds to problems in the country. Why would I abandon my film then? Rathnam Garu started as a small makeup man and grew step by step to this level as a director, writer, and producer. No matter how many difficulties he faced, or how many problems others caused him, he remained silent. Irrespective of caste, religion, or region, anyone with talent can shine in the film industry. That's why I have so much respect for the film industry. Making a film is like a Yagna. We don't even know if money will be saved. I came here to talk about Rathnam Garu's goodness and the good film he made. After becoming Deputy CM, I allocated two hours of my personal time every day to avoid affecting governance. Accordingly, Jyothi Krishna and Paramahamsa Garu planned the shoot. The output came out wonderfully. Jyothi Krishna showed pre-visualizations of how every scene would be done beforehand. He is a capable director. He has a good grasp of technical departments. Manoj Paramahamsa Garu joined such a person. With Rathnam Garu's experience, both of them together crafted the film wonderfully. I wanted to give my best to Rathnam Garu, my favorite producer, a producer who stands by the Telugu industry. As the Film Development Corporation Chairman, I proposed Rathnam Garu's name to Chief Minister Chandrababu Garu. Not because he is my producer, but because if such a person is there, the film industry will flourish. I believe that this film will give a good experience to all the audiences who come to the theater. Cinema should have some impact on our lives. I hope this film will be one that gives such an impact and energy."
Director Jyothi Krishna: Pawan Kalyan's Unique Vision
Director Jyothi Krishna expressed his delight: "Media friends have been eagerly waiting to meet Pawan Kalyan Garu. His presence at the press meet made my heart happy. There is a fight in this film designed by Pawan Kalyan Garu. That episode is almost 20 minutes long. There is a story within that fight itself. It took Keeravani Garu ten days to compose music for that one episode. After watching that sequence, what I understood was that the Veera Mallu Pawan Garu sees is different. The film Pawan Garu envisioned is different. 'War for Dharma' was designed from the fire within him. This film is set against the backdrop of 17th-century Mughals. It's like a war between Aurangzeb and the fictional character Veera Mallu. My heartfelt thanks to Pawan Garu for giving me this opportunity. Since taking on the responsibility of this film, I haven't rested for a second. My father A.M. Rathnam Garu's determination and the fire in Pawan Garu's eyes made me work tirelessly. My entire team, along with me, worked very hard, even sacrificing sleep for this film. I cannot forget the support of Keeravani Garu and Manoj Paramahamsa Garu. The desire to see Power Star Pawan Kalyan on screen as we eagerly await will be fulfilled with 'Hari Hara Veera Mallu.' I request everyone to watch the film with their families on July 24th."
Heroine Nidhhi Agerwal: A Special Film in Her Career
Heroine Nidhhi Agerwal shared her excitement: "I consider it my good fortune to have gotten the opportunity to act with Pawan Kalyan Garu. 'Hari Hara Veera Mallu' is a special film in my cinematic career. My thanks to A.M. Rathnam Garu for giving me this opportunity. Jyothi Krishna Garu has crafted this film wonderfully. I hope this film appeals to all of you."
