Pawan Kalyan’s Hari Hara Veera Mallu Struggles at Box Office Despite Massive Hype

Despite a wave of anticipation and the star power of Pawan Kalyan, the historical epic ‘Hari Hara Veera Mallu’ appears to be stumbling at the box office. The film, which finally hit theatres on July 24, 2025, after numerous delays, has so far failed to generate the expected traction with audiences.

Pawan Kalyan’s Hari Hara Veera Mallu Faces Box Office Woes

The film opened with an impressive ₹34.75 crore on its first day, driven largely by the excitement surrounding Pawan Kalyan’s comeback and the historical narrative. However, by day six, collections had dwindled to just ₹1.34 crore, bringing the total to a modest ₹78.69 crore. The sharp drop in earnings highlights a significant challenge in sustaining momentum during weekdays despite a promising opening.

Mixed Reactions and Visual Effects Controversy

Criticism quickly followed the initial buzz. Many viewers and critics expressed disappointment over the sub-par VFX and a lackluster storyline. This has significantly impacted word-of-mouth promotion, which plays a crucial role in a film’s sustained box office performance. Director Jyothi Krisna, who took over the project after Krish’s exit, acknowledged the CGI flaws but defended the film’s overall intent and production challenges in a recent interview with ABN.

Plot and Performances

‘Hari Hara Veera Mallu’ follows the journey of Veera Mallu, portrayed by Pawan Kalyan, an outlaw journeying from Golconda to Delhi in search of the fabled Koh-i-Noor diamond. Along the way, he confronts the tyrannical Mughal emperor Aurangzeb, played by Bobby. The film’s plot sets up an epic showdown and ends on a cliffhanger teasing a sequel, though its underwhelming reception may put future plans at risk.

Production Setbacks and Trolling

The film’s production history is as dramatic as its storyline. From director changes to long delays, ‘Hari Hara Veera Mallu’ has faced numerous hurdles. The final product, according to many fans, doesn’t justify the wait. Social media trolling intensified post-release, targeting everything from action sequences to computer-generated imagery. Jyothi Krisna defended the project, stating, \”Anyone will troll only those who are in the limelight. We had 4400 CGI shots, and while a few were not up to par, they were not as bad as being portrayed.\”

Industry Reaction and Future Outlook

The Telugu film industry had pinned high hopes on this big-budget venture, not only due to Pawan Kalyan’s stardom but also because of the growing popularity of period films. However, the film’s failure to cross even ₹80 crore in its first week has disappointed distributors and fans alike. Future prospects for the franchise remain uncertain unless significant improvements are made in the sequel, should it proceed.

‘Pawan Kalyan Hari Hara Veera Mallu’ may have aimed for cinematic grandeur, but its underperformance is a stark reminder of the audience’s demand for quality storytelling and flawless execution.

You Must Know:

• What is Hari Hara Veera Mallu about?
  It’s a historical epic featuring Pawan Kalyan as an outlaw on a quest for the Koh-i-Noor diamond, set during the Mughal era.
• Why is the movie receiving criticism?
  The film is being criticized for its poor VFX, weak script, and inconsistent direction, despite a strong lead performance.
• How much has the movie earned so far?
  As of day six, it has grossed approximately ₹78.69 crore worldwide.
• Will there be a sequel?
  The film ends with a cliffhanger teasing a sequel, but its lukewarm response may affect future plans.
• Who directed Hari Hara Veera Mallu?
  The film was initially directed by Krish but was completed by Jyothi Krisna after Krish exited the project.