Latest news with #HariHaraVeeraMallu:Part1
Mint
12-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Mint
Indian film stars' political ambitions can dim box office allure, experts warn
Film stars with political ambitions often leverage their popular on-screen personas to launch political careers. While this can provide a powerful launchpad, it often comes with the risk of diminishing their box-office appeal. The latest to face this conundrum are top southern movie stars Vijay, who launched a political party in February to contest next year's Tamil Nadu assembly polls, and Pawan Kalyan, who is serving as deputy chief minister of Andhra Pradesh. Their films are slated for release in the coming months, but trade experts warn of muted box-office performance, as they may no longer enjoy the universal appeal that transcended political ideologies. The past record of multiple actors-turned-politicians shows that a broad section of audiences begins to feel alienated, as film stars start catering to a target vote bank following their political plunge, experts said. Also read: Independent producers embrace regional cinema amid Bollywood uncertainties 'The theatrical draw of actors starts to wane once they get into politics as the persona is often diluted. When you're just a star, everyone is your market and audience, whereas a political name is often seen aligned with certain values and segments. A film star cuts across caste and creed whereas a politician has to appease their vote bank," independent exhibitor Vishek Chauhan said. While a cinematic superhero image can help actors get into politics, the two domains are hardly complimentary, Chauhan added. Vijay's next film Jana Nayagan is set for a Pongal 2026 release even as his party Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam makes its electoral debut in the 2026 Tamil Nadu assembly elections, while Pawan Kalyan has titles like Hari Hara Veera Mallu: Part 1 and OG slated to arrive in theatres over the coming months. Actor Kamal Haasan, who has formed Makkal Needhi Maiam (MNM), a regional political party in Tamil Nadu, has seen recent titles like Indian 2 and Thug Life, which were also panned by critics, underperform at the box office, while up north, Kangana Ranaut, Lok Sabha member from the ruling BJP, has featured in titles such as Emergency, Tejas and Dhaakad that failed to draw crowds. Haasan is set to enter Rajya Sabha, backed by the DMK. To be sure, over the years, several actors including Andhra's NT Rama Rao, Tamil Nadu's MG Ramachandran, Chiranjeevi, Hema Malini, Jaya Bachchan and others entered politics. Many of these made a foray later in their careers after having stopped actively taking up lead roles, some others such as Ranaut and Govinda have tried balancing the two jobs, without much success. 'Once actors turn politicians, their box office pull goes down. It gets even worse if they lose elections, but they certainly can't start from where they left," said Ruban Mathivanan of GK Cinemas in Chennai. Mathivanan added that other than just losing traction among audiences, actors-turned-political leaders often face hostility and bans in case the opposition parties come into power. Also read: Malayalam cinema thrives at box office as other regional films falter For instance, Tamil actor Vadivelu is said have faced an unofficial ban and dropped from several films after campaigning against then chief minister Jayalalithaa. Filmmakers and trade experts have long worried that when actors formally enter politics, especially by taking aggressive political stands, they risk alienating audiences with differing views, which can erode box office collections. In 2018, Rajinikanth's action drama Kaala had registered lacklustre opening collections after the actor caused a stir by describing anti-Sterlite protesters in Thoothukudi as 'anti-social elements". More recently, Thug Life did not release in Karnataka after Haasan's comments on the Kannada language drew backlash. Also read: The rise of small-town stories on OTT: A cost-effective, culturally rich trend A film producer said on the condition of anonymity that actors should realize they are seen as brands that all stakeholders in the value chain depend on. 'Apart from box office revenue, controversies and political entries can also result in OTT platforms turning wary of films featuring stars who could alienate audiences," the producer said.
Time of India
10-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Ustaad Bhagat Singh: Pawan Kalyan begins shooting in Hyderabad
Picture Credit: X Pawan Kalyan 's highly anticipated film 'Ustaad Bhagat Singh', directed by Harish Shankar , has officially commenced shooting today in Hyderabad. As per a report by 123Telugu, the filming began at the Aluminium Factory, with the first schedule planned to continue for approximately a month. The report suggests that Pawan Kalyan will complete a substantial portion of his scenes during this initial phase. All eyes are now on director Harish Shankar to see how he shapes the narrative and presents Pawan Kalyan in this mass entertainer, blending action, drama, and entertainment. The female lead is played by Sreeleela and the cast includes several other well-known actors in supporting roles. Harish Shankar last directed Ravi Teja starrer 'Mr. Bachchan', the movie had a poor reception at the box office. However, fans might be optimistic regarding the upcoming film with Pawan Kalyan. Devi Sri Prasad , known for his catchy and energetic compositions, is composing the music for 'Ustaad Bhagat Singh'. 'Ustaad Bhagat Singh' is expected to have a grand release in 2026. Apart from Ustaad Bhagat Singh, Pawan Kalyan has two other major films lined up that have generated considerable excitement among fans. Apart from it, he will be seen in the upcoming film, 'Hari Hara Veera Mallu: Part 1', a period action-drama directed by Krish Jagarlamudi. Set in the 17th-century Mughal Empire, the film depicts the life of the legendary outlaw Veera Mallu, played by Pawan Kalyan. The other is 'They Call Him OG' or simply 'OG', a high-octane action mafia drama directed by Sujeeth, scheduled to release on September 25, 2025. In 'OG', Pawan Kalyan plays Ojas Gambheera, a powerful gangster. The film features Priyanka Mohan as the female lead, with Sriya Reddy and Bollywood actor Emraan Hashmi as the antagonist of the film.
Indian Express
09-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Indian Express
Kuberaa producer lashes out at OTT giant for threatening to slash Rs 10 crore from deal if Dhanush film misses release date: ‘They have overtaken everything'
While discussions are rampant about the deplorable condition of Bollywood, the situation is not significantly better for the Telugu and Tamil industries, either. Though we have already entered the second half of the year, both the regional film industries are yet to deliver a proper blockbuster. With the postponement of Pawan Kalyan's Hari Hara Veera Mallu: Part 1, all eyes are now on director Sekhar Kammula's Kuberaa, featuring Dhanush, Nagarjuna and Rashmika Mandanna in the lead roles. With just days remaining until the movie's worldwide release, certain remarks made by Kuberaa's co-producer Suniel Narang (popularly known as Asian Suniel) have garnered significant attention, as he didn't mince words while calling out an OTT giant for allegedly pressuring the team over the release date. Narang also claimed that the company threatened to reduce their deal by Rs 10 crore if Kuberaa failed to hit screens on the scheduled date of June 20. Watch | Navjot Singh Sidhu confirms return to The Great Indian Kapil Show, shocked Archana Puran Singh responds: 'Patti wapas baandh de' 'They have overtaken everything, and it all goes according to their will. I requested them (Amazon Prime Video) to give me a few weeks' time and a July date because there might be a delay in post-production. They said they'll cut Rs 10 crore if I don't release on 20 June as planned,' Suniel shared during a chat with Gulte Pro. He also criticised the industry's habit of relying on external platforms for various services, including ticket bookings and post-theatrical releases. 'And yet people say artistes' remuneration should be reduced. Why should we do that? India has a population of 145 crore; only 50 of them are superstars. They are gods, in my opinion. The issue lies with everything else but them. These other entities are happy irrespective of films being a hit or a flop,' he added. While Telugu cinema saw major hits last year like Pushpa 2: The Rule (Rs 1,742.1 crore worldwide gross, according to industry tracker Sacnilk), Kalki 2898 AD (Rs 1,042.25 crore) and even Devara: Part 1 (Rs 421.63 crore), the biggest success so far this year has been Sankranthiki Vasthunam (Rs 255.2 crore). Following that is the box office bomb Game Changer (Rs 186.25 crore). The situation is more or less the same in the Tamil industry, with Good Bad Ugly (Rs 246.15 crore) and Dragon (Rs 150.52 crore) leading the 2025 list, significantly lower compared to 2024's hits like The Greatest of All Time (Rs 457 crore), Amaran (Rs 333.67 crore) and Vettaiyan (Rs 253.6 crore). As a result, the success of Kuberaa is of utmost importance for both industries right now. Besides Telugu and Tamil, the film is set to release in Hindi, Kannada and Malayalam languages as well.
Pink Villa
30-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Pink Villa
POLL: Thug Life, Hari Hara Veera Mallu, Kuberaa and Kannappa—which South movie are you excited to watch in June 2025? VOTE
Big names, bigger expectations! June 2025 is all set to be a blockbuster month in South cinema. With Thug Life starring Kamal Haasan, Hari Hara Veera Mallu led by Pawan Kalyan, and Kannappa featuring Vishnu Manchu, the choices are thrilling. If you had to choose one, what would be your top pick? But wait, before you decide, let's take a closer look at these June releases to help you make your decision. Thug Life, directed by Mani Ratnam, hits theaters on June 5. It explores the dark and dangerous world of crime and loyalty. The story begins with Sakthivel and his brother Manickam rescuing a boy during a deadly police encounter. They raise him as Amaran, played by Silambarasan TR. With a strong cast including Kamal Haasan, Joju George, Trisha Krishnan, and Ashok Selvan, the film promises intense drama and powerful performances. Coming next on June 12 is Hari Hara Veera Mallu: Part 1—Sword vs Spirit. Set in 17th-century India, it stars Pawan Kalyan as a brave outlaw on a mission to steal the Koh-i-Noor diamond from the Mughals. With Bobby Deol and Nidhhi Agerwal in key roles, this historical action-adventure is packed with grandeur and high-stakes drama. Kuberaa arrives on June 20 and offers a gripping social thriller. Dhanush plays a poor man whose thirst for wealth leads to unexpected consequences. Directed by Sekhar Kammula, the film also stars Rashmika Mandanna, Jim Sarbh, and Nagarjuna Akkineni. With themes of greed, power, and ambition, it adds a fresh twist to the lineup. The final June release is Kannappa, landing on June 27. Based on a legendary Hindu tale, the story follows an atheist who turns into a devoted follower of Lord Shiva. With Vishnu Manchu in the lead and an ensemble cast including Prabhas, Mohanlal, Akshay Kumar, Mohan Babu and Kajal Aggarwal, this fantasy drama aims to be both visually grand and emotionally rich. So, which film are you most excited for? Cast your vote and let us know!
Pink Villa
29-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Pink Villa
7 South movies releasing in June 2025: Hari Hara Veera Mallu, Thug Life to Kuberaa
Movie buffs, get ready! June 2025 is bringing a solid list of new South Indian releases to theaters. From the Kamal Haasan starrer Thug Life to Dhanush's Kuberaa, every film has something exciting in store. With fan-favorite stars, gripping plots, and stunning visuals, the month promises non-stop entertainment. Therefore, continue reading to learn more. South movies releasing in theaters in June 2025 1. Thug Life Cast: Kamal Haasan, Silambarasan TR, Trisha Krishnan, Joju George, Abhirami, Ashok Selvan Release date: June 5, 2025 Thug Life, directed by Mani Ratnam, dives deep into the gritty world of the underworld. The story begins with Sakthivel and his brother Manickam. During a fierce police encounter, they save a young boy and adopt him. The boy is named Amaran, who grows up to be Silambarasan TR. Things take a dark turn when Sakthivel survives an attempt on his life. He starts to suspect betrayal from within and doubts fall on Amaran and Manickam, pushing him into a dangerous journey of revenge. 2. Madras Matinee Cast: Sathyaraj, Kaali Venkat, Roshni Haripriyan Release date: June 6, 2025 Madras Matinee tells the story of an aging sci-fi writer who decides to write a real-life tale at his caretaker's request. He chooses Kannan, an auto driver, juggling family struggles and daily survival. As the writer explores Kannan's world, he discovers a story full of emotion, hardship, and quiet strength. 3. Hari Hara Veera Mallu: Part 1 - Sword vs Spirit Cast: Pawan Kalyan, Niddhi Agerwal, Bobby Deol Release date: June 12, 2025 Set in the 17th century, Hari Hara Veera Mallu: Part 1 is a Telugu historical action-adventure film. It follows the journey of Veera Mallu, a legendary outlaw, who is given the daring mission to steal the Koh-i-Noor diamond from the Mughals. The film stars Pawan Kalyan in the lead, with Bobby Deol, Nidhhi Agerwal, and Nargis Fakhri. 4. Kuberaa Cast: Dhanush, Jim Sarbh, Nagarjuna Akkineni, Rashmika Mandanna Release date: June 20, 2025 Kuberaa is an upcoming social thriller that explores the dark side of ambition and wealth. The story follows a poor man who undergoes a major transformation. As the pursuit of riches unfolds, the film dives into themes of greed, power, and moral choices. Directed and co-written by Sekhar Kammula, it is shot in multiple languages, including Hindi. 5. Janaki v/s State of Kerala Cast: Suresh Gopi, Anupama Parameswaran, Askar Ali, Baiju Santhosh Release date: June 20, 2025 Janaki Vs State of Kerala is an intense courtroom drama inspired by true events. The story follows Janaki, a woman who fights back after facing injustice. Her legal battle unfolds with emotional depth and gripping tension. Suresh Gopi plays the lawyer who takes up her case and defends her in court. As the trial progresses, hidden truths surface. 6. Maargan Cast: Vijay Antony, Samuthirakani, Vinod Sagar Release date: June 27, 2025 Maargan is a gripping murder mystery that centers on a senior police officer tasked with solving a complicated murder case. As he digs deeper, unexpected twists emerge. The investigation takes the audience through suspenseful moments set against visually stunning backdrops. 7. Kannappa Cast: Vishnu Manchu, Prabhas, Kajal Aggarwal, Mohan Babu, Mohanlal, Akshay Kumar Release date: June 27, 2025 Kannappa is an upcoming Telugu fantasy drama inspired by a famous folk tale. It tells the story of Kannappa, an atheist hunter who transforms into a devoted follower of Lord Shiva. In a powerful act of devotion, he can do anything to save the deity. Directed by Mukesh Kumar Singh and produced by Mohan Babu, the film explores this legendary Hindu tale with rich storytelling.
