Director Jyothi Krisna’s highly anticipated period drama Hari Hara Veera Mallu, starring Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister and megastar Pawan Kalyan, is set to captivate audiences on June 12. The magnum opus boasts a staggering collaboration of over 25 VFX studios spanning five continents, underlining the film’s grand scale and technical ambition.
Speaking to IANS, Jyothi Krisna revealed, “We had VFX teams working across Iran, the US, the UK, Singapore, and Canada, alongside multiple studios in India—including Chennai, Hyderabad, Bangalore, and Mumbai. Altogether, 25 firms contributed to the film’s visual effects, creating a truly global cinematic experience.”
The director also shared that the film was shot over an intensive 200 days. Set in the 16th century during Mughal rule, Hari Hara Veera Mallu explores an untold story blending fact and fiction. Bollywood star Bobby Deol embodies the formidable Aurangazeb, while Pawan Kalyan steps into the shoes of a Robin Hood-esque thief, adding layers of intrigue and rebellion to the narrative. Nidhi Aggarwal plays the female lead.
“The story is based on a small but significant incident from the Mughal era,” Jyothi Krisna explained. “The film is part historical, part imaginative. Pawan Kalyan’s character represents the spirit, and Aurangazeb symbolizes the sword — which is also reflected in the film’s subtitle, Part 1: Sword Vs Spirit.”
The director hinted that the saga is planned as a two-part venture, with about 10% of the second installment already filmed. “The future depends on how the audience receives this first part,” he said with a smile. Technical excellence is ensured by cinematographers Manoj Paramahamsa and Gnanashekar V.S., while production design is helmed by Thota Tharani. Editing duties have been entrusted to National Award-winning editor K L Praveen.
Alongside Pawan Kalyan, Nidhi Aggarwal, and Bobby Deol, the cast features seasoned actors Nassar, Sathyaraj, Thalaivasal Vijay, Raghu Babu, Subbaraju, and Sunil, promising a powerhouse performance ensemble. With its blend of cutting-edge visuals, gripping storytelling, and star power, Hari Hara Veera Mallu is shaping up to be a landmark film in Telugu cinema’s landscape this year.
