Hari Hara Veera Mallu First Review: Is Pawan Kalyan's Epic Worth the Wait?

Movie Name : Hari Hara Veera Mallu

Release Date : July 24, 2025

Starring : Pawan Kalyan, Nidhhi Agerwal, Bobby Deol, Nargis Fakhri, Nora Fatehi and others

Director : Jyothi Krishna – Krish

Producers : A. Dayakar Rao A. M. Rathnam

Music Director : M. M. Keeravani

Cinematographer : Gnana Shekar V. S.Manoj Paramahamsa

Editor : Praveen K. L.

Related Links : Trailer

Hari Hara Veera Mallu: A Period Spectacle with Uneven Pacing

After years in the making, Pawan Kalyan’s ambitious period epic, Hari Hara Veera Mallu: Part 1 – Sword vs Spirit, has finally premiered in cinemas today, July 24, 2025. What was once a project shrouded in uncertainty has emerged as a highly anticipated release, propelled by a surge of renewed interest and Pawan Kalyan’s impactful pre-release interactions. The question now stands: does this grand historical drama live up to the immense expectations?

Our initial viewing reveals Hari Hara Veera Mallu to be a decent cinematic experience, anchored by Pawan Kalyan's strong performance and electrifying action sequences. However, it grapples with a sluggish second half and notable visual effects shortcomings, hindering its overall impact.

The Story: A Robin Hood Tale in Mughal India

Set in the 1650s, the film introduces Veera Mallu (Pawan Kalyan), a figure akin to a benevolent outlaw, drawing the attention of the King of Kollur. After outsmarting the king, Veera escapes with Panchami (Nidhhi Agerwal). His cunning then catches the eye of Qutub Shah (Dalip Tahil), who enlists him for a crucial mission: retrieving the fabled Koh-i-Noor diamond from Aurangazeb (Bobby Deol) in Delhi. Yet, beneath this quest lies a deeper, more personal agenda for Veera, one tied to his mysterious past and an eventual confrontation with Aurangazeb. The first installment skillfully sets the stage, with many narrative threads intentionally left open for the sequel.

Highlights: Action, Performance, and Score

One of the film's most commendable aspects is the unwavering commitment of presenter A. M. Rathnam, whose belief in the project is evident. Pawan Kalyan delivers a composed and impactful performance as Veera Mallu. His presence electrifies the action sequences, and his dialogue delivery, especially in emotionally charged moments emphasizing 'Dharma,' resonates with sincerity.

The action choreography is a significant asset. The first half boasts three meticulously executed sequences: a high-energy fight at the Machilipatnam port, a grand battle at Charminar, and a gripping Kushti fight in Kollur. The second half features a compelling, raw action block set in a Mughal-controlled village. These sequences are elevated by powerful stunt work, providing much-needed cinematic adrenaline.

Nidhhi Agerwal, despite limited screen time, performs her role gracefully. Bobby Deol is menacing and intense, although his direct interactions with Pawan Kalyan are brief, clearly reserving their major clash for the next chapter. Supporting actors, including Sathyaraj, Raghu Babu, and Sunil, effectively fulfill their roles.

Areas for Improvement: Pacing, Character Depth, and VFX

While the first half maintains a largely gripping pace, the narrative momentum noticeably falters in the second. With a significant portion of the story held back for the sequel, the film resorts to filler scenes that test audience patience. These segments, though individually passable, struggle to maintain the plot's weight when anticipation for a major confrontation is high. Several scenes feel stretched, lacking urgency and narrative focus, despite emotional action portions providing some elevation. The film concludes on a dramatic cliffhanger, hinting at greater stakes for the next installment.

Characters such as Sathyaraj’s and Nidhhi Agerwal’s are notably underdeveloped. Nidhhi makes a decent impression early on but fades into the background as the plot progresses.

A major drawback for a film of this scale is its inconsistent visual effects. Key scenes, including a crucial hill confrontation, suffer from subpar CGI that disrupts immersion. This unexpected weakness undermines several potentially powerful moments.

Technical Aspects: Vision and Music Stand Out

Director Krish Jagarlamudi's distinctive vision is evident in the portions he helmed, bringing historical detail and narrative depth. Director Jyothi Krishna, who completed the remaining segments, handles them competently, setting the stage for his direction in the sequel.

The cinematography by Gnana Sekhar VS and Manoj Paramahamsa skillfully captures the film’s period setting. M. M. Keeravaani’s musical score serves as a strong backbone, elevating critical moments and enhancing emotional weight, particularly during action sequences.

Praveen KL’s editing is crisp in the first half but could have been tighter in the latter. While overall production values are commendable, the weak visual effects detract from the film's otherwise ambitious scope.

Verdict: A Foundation for the Future

Overall, Hari Hara Veera Mallu offers a passable cinematic experience. Pawan Kalyan’s performance provides a solid anchor, and Keeravaani’s music amplifies the film’s dramatic highs. The action sequences are undoubtedly a highlight. However, underdeveloped characters, the underutilization of Bobby Deol, the absence of a central hero-villain showdown in this part, disappointing CGI, and a sluggish second half prevent it from reaching its full potential. Nevertheless, the film contains enough entertaining elements and effectively lays the groundwork for what promises to be an even bigger sequel. It's a watchable period drama for the big screen this weekend.

bizzbuzz.news Rating: 3/5