Pawan Kalyan spoke at length about his upcoming film ‘Hari Hara Veera Mallu’, which is set to release in two days.
Here are the highlights in his own words:
“It’s not my nature to abandon those who trust me. I know A.M. Rathnam capabilities, which is why I recommended his name to the FDC Chairman.
I’ve discussed politics with media friends, but I’ve never spoken like this for a film. I feel hesitant to talk about films. I don’t know how to promote a movie. I know how to work, but it’s difficult for me to boast about what I’ve done. I unexpectedly became an actor and a technician. Me not speaking to the media about films isn’t due to arrogance or ego.
Before I entered the cinema,I used to wish I had a producer like A.M. Rathnam.
He’s someone who took regional cinema to a national level. He released Tamil films in Telugu and made them run successfully like direct Telugu films, proving his mettle. He’s a person who enhanced the film industry’s creative potential.
Coming to ‘Veera Mallu’, it faced many ups and downs, including two COVID-19 waves. After I entered politics and moved away from direction and the creative part, and with my primary focus on politics, 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 years ago, both domestically and abroad, came in handy for this film.
We sat with choreographers and specially designed the climax. This is the lifeline of the film.
To briefly explain the movie, it’s a story about how the Kohinoor diamond found in Kollur, on the banks of the Krishna River, made its way to the Hyderabad Sultans and its journey thereafter. The foundation for this was laid by Krish Jagarlamudi. He came with a great concept. When he and Rathnam Garu narrated the story, I liked it and immediately said yes.
I’ve seen A.M. Rathnam Garu up close. There was a time when producers, distributors, heroes, and directors used to follow him. During the movie ‘Kushi’, our pre-production was done a month in advance.
He provided us with such comfort. It pained me to see such a person struggling. This isn’t about money or success, it’s about standing by our people and the film industry we believe in. Even though Krish Garu couldn’t complete this film for some reason, I wholeheartedly thank him for laying the foundation with a good concept.
When I was doing ‘Kushi’, Jyothikrishna did a filmmaking course in London. Talking to him, I felt he was a sensible director. When there were whispers about whether this film would even be completed, Keeravani Garu was the one who gave us oxygen. I always focus on film quality and don’t talk much about movies. But for this film, I felt it was necessary to speak.
In a time when producers are disappearing, my intention was to support a strong producer who made a film and stood firm despite facing difficulties. That’s why I left my busy schedule and came here, even though my opponents are criticizing me. Because the film industry has given me my livelihood. I have immense respect for cinema. I took this film onto my shoulders because I don’t want a producer like Rathnam Garu to face difficulties.
I came here today to say that this film is not an orphan,I am here for it. I stand by crores of people and respond to national issues; why would I abandon my own film?
Starting as a small makeup man, Rathnam Garu rose step by step as a director, writer, and producer to reach this level. No matter how many difficulties he faces or how many people trouble him, he remains silent. Irrespective of caste, religion, or region, anyone with talent can succeed in the film industry. That’s why I have so much respect for the film industry. Making a film is like performing a yagna. You don’t even know if you’ll make money. I came here to talk about Rathnam Garu’s goodness and the good film he made.
After I became Deputy CM, to ensure administration is not hampered, I dedicated two hours of my personal time every day. Accordingly, Jyothikrishna and Paramahamsa planned the shoot. The output came out wonderfully. I proposed Rathnam Garu’s name to Chief Minister Chandrababu Garu for Film Development Corporation Chairman. Not because he’s my producer, but because I believe the film industry will benefit if such a person is in that position. I believe this film will give a good experience to all audiences who come to the theater. A film should have some impact on our lives. I hope this film will provide such an impact and energy.
