Directors: Krish Jagarlamudi (aka Krish) and A. M. Jyothi Krishna
Screenplay and Story: Krish Jagarlamudi: Dialogues by Sai Madhav Burra
Music: M. M. Keeravani
Cinematography: V. S. Gnana Shekar
Editing: Praveen K. L.
VFX Supervision: Ben Lock
Producers: A. Dayakar Rao and A. M. Rathnam under Mega Surya Production
Release Date: July 24,2025
Hari Hara Veera Mallu: Pawan Kalyan keeps the proceedings engaging(2.75/5)
After five long years, Powerstar Pawan Kalyan starrer periodic drama, Hari Hara Veera Mallu is finally set to hit the sliver screens on July 24th. The film also marks as Pawan’s comeback into the films as Deputy Chief Minister Of AP and carrying a special craze among the fans. Amidst huge hype surrounded, the film has hit the screens today with the special premieres. Let’s Review it.
Synopsis:
In a time of empires and unrest, Veera Mallu (Pawan Kalyan) rises as a heroic outlaw—a Robin Hood-like figure whose daring exploits catch the eye of the King of Kollur. When the king assigns him a royal mission, Veera turns the tables, outsmarts the court, and flees with the mysterious Panchami (Nidhhi Agerwal). But this is only the beginning.
His cleverness doesn’t go unnoticed. Qutub Shah (Dalip Tahil), a powerful ruler, entrusts Veera with a mission of legendary proportions: to retrieve the priceless Koh-i-Noor diamond, now in the clutches of the Mughal emperor Aurangazeb (Bobby Deol) in Delhi. As Veera journeys into the heart of the empire, shadows of his past begin to emerge. Who is Panchami, and what binds her to Veera? Why does Qutub Shah trust a fugitive so deeply? And what hidden history lies between Veera and Aurangazeb, forms the crucial crux.
Performances:
What stands out most admirably is the unwavering conviction of A. M. Rathnam, the film’s presenter. His steadfast belief in the story is evident in every frame, and his dedication deserves heartfelt appreciation.
Pawan Kalyan brings undeniable gravitas to the role of Veera Mallu. His performance is both composed and impactful, commanding attention throughout. He electrifies the screen in action sequences, while his dialogue delivery—especially in emotionally charged moments rooted in Dharma carries a rare blend of sincerity and strength. His presence elevates the narrative and leaves a lasting impression.
Nidhhi Agerwal, though limited by screen time, brings grace and quiet strength to her role, making her presence felt. Bobby Deol is menacing and intense as Aurangazeb, though his interactions with Pawan Kalyan are brief in this chapter clearly hinting that their full-fledged clash is being reserved for the sequel.
The supporting cast Sathyaraj, Raghu Babu, Sunil, Kabir Duhan Singh, and others play their parts effectively, contributing to the film’s period atmosphere and narrative flow.
Analysis:
The action choreography is among the film’s biggest assets. The first half features three standout sequences: the Machilipatnam port fight, the Charminar battle, and the Kushti fight in Kollur. Each is executed with scale and flair. The second half includes a compelling action block in a Mughal-ruled village, which stands out for its raw intensity. These sequences are elevated by the energy of the stunts and deserve full credit for delivering cinematic adrenaline.
The film’s most significant shortcoming lies in its visual effects. Crucial sequences particularly the hill confrontation are marred by lackluster CGI that disrupts viewer immersion. Given the film’s ambitious scale, the underwhelming VFX work feels especially disappointing, ultimately diluting the impact of several otherwise powerful moments.
Technicality Deparatment:
Director Krish Jagarlamudi’s stamp is clear in the portions he helmed. His flair for historical storytelling, intricate detailing, and emotional layering brings depth and gravitas to the film. His segments are visually rich and narratively cohesive, showcasing his command over the genre.
In contrast, Jyothi Krisna, who stepped in to complete the remaining parts, manages to maintain narrative continuity decently. While his work lacks the finesse and texture of Krish’s vision, it serves the story functionally. As he’s expected to direct the sequel, it will be interesting to see if he can evolve the visual tone and deepen character arcs moving forward.
The combined efforts of Gnana Sekhar VS and Manoj Paramahamsa elevate the film’s visual aesthetic. Their cinematography captures the grandeur of the period setting with sweeping frames and well-composed imagery. Lighting and lensing choices complement the tone of the narrative, especially in war and palace scenes, reinforcing the historical atmosphere.
M.M. Keeravaani’s music stands as a pillar of strength. His background score adds emotional heft and heightens the drama at crucial points. In particular, action sequences and emotionally charged moments are greatly enhanced by his compositions, making the experience more immersive despite other shortcomings.
The film benefits from strong production design and scale set pieces, costumes, and locations reflect a serious investment in authenticity. However, the overall impact is blunted by poor visual effects, particularly in high-stakes sequences. The CGI fails to match the grandeur the film aspires to, creating a noticeable disconnect between ambition and execution. This undermines audience immersion and detracts from the film’s otherwise solid technical canvas.
Verdict:
All in all, Hari Hara Veera Mallu offers a fairly engaging theatrical experience, driven by Pawan Kalyan’s composed yet commanding presence. His performance lends gravitas to this historical action drama, while M.M. Keeravaani’s rousing score elevates several key moments, especially during the well-executed action sequences that form the film’s core strength. However, the film isn’t without its shortcomings. The second half loses momentum, several characters feel underwritten, and Bobby Deol is notably underutilized. The absence of a proper face-off between the hero and antagonist feels like a missed opportunity. Adding to this, subpar CGI dampens the visual impact of some important scenes.Despite its flaws, Hari Hara Veera Mallu sets the stage for a grander sequel. It has enough spectacle and star power to make it worth a theatrical watch this weekend particularly for fans of epic storytelling and action-packed cinema.
