Did Pawan Kalyan really slash his fee for Hari Hara Veera Mallu? Here’s what he said

After years of anticipation, delays, and shifting headlines, Pawan Kalyan is finally back on the big screen with Hari Hara Veera Mallu, which hit theatres on July 24, with paid premieres beginning the night before. Touted as an epic period action-adventure, the film’s release marks not just the return of a Telugu superstar, but the culmination of a turbulent five-year journey that saw everything from pandemic disruptions to political roadblocks.

One of the most talked-about topics during the recent press interaction was Kalyan’s remuneration for Hari Hara Veera Mallu—a subject that has stirred speculation within industry circles. While reports suggest he charged between Rs 11 crore to Rs 20 crore for the film—a significant drop from the Rs 50 crore he reportedly earned for Bro—Kalyan himself responded with characteristic humility. While keeping the answer vague, he said he would consider his fees if the movie becomes a hit. He explained that his idea is that the movie should release first and do well, which would safeguard the producer.

At the same event, Pawan Kalyan—known for his low-key approach to promotions—opened up about why he chose to participate in the lead-up to this release actively. He candidly referred to the various hurdles, like COVID-19 and other reasons, that delayed the movie. He further admitted that he now feels a moral responsibility to support the producers and hence, is part of the promotional campaigns this time, something he usually avoids.

About Hari Hara Veera Mallu

Directed initially by Krish Jagarlamudi and later by Jyothi Krishna, Hari Hara Veera Mallu is set in the 17th-century Mughal Empire and tells the story of the legendary outlaw Veera Mallu, played by Pawan Kalyan. Tasked with recovering the Koh-i-Noor diamond to rescue a city from Mughal oppression, Veera Mallu’s tale unfolds against a rich historical backdrop. The film also stars Bobby Deol, Nidhhi Agerwal, Nargis Fakhri, Nora Fatehi, and Sathyaraj in key roles, with a stirring score composed by M. M. Keeravani.


Initially announced in January 2020, the film’s production kicked off later that year but faced numerous halts due to COVID-19 and Kalyan’s political commitments. The shoot was finally wrapped up in May 2025, with the directorial reins being shared—Krish helming the early portions and Krishna taking over the latter segments under his supervision. Now, with the film finally out, it remains to be seen if this long-awaited epic lives up to its promise.