Politics First, Not Cinema: Pawan Kalyan on Low Box Office
While popular in politics, Pawan Kalyan says his film career lagged as he stayed committed to social causes and public duty.
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Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan acknowledged that while he enjoys strong political recognition across India, his film career hasn’t kept pace with some of his peers in terms of box office revenue.
Speaking candidly about the contrast between his political prominence and cinematic performance, the actor said he never aimed for commercial success in films because his commitment remained with public service and political work.
“Politically, I’ve gained recognition nationwide. But in cinema, I’ve fallen behind many heroes in terms of collections,” he said. “That’s because my focus was never solely on movies. I’ve always prioritized the needs of society and my responsibilities in politics.”
The actor-turned-politician made the remarks in response to comparisons with other Telugu film industry stars who consistently generate high box office figures. He, however, highlighted that his cinematic choices were never driven by commercial targets.
The actor is currently working on the long-delayed period film Hari Hara Veera Mallu, which remains one of the most anticipated projects among his fans. The production faced multiple delays due to his political engagements and COVID-19 disruptions.
