Hari Hara Veera Mallu review: Pawan Kalyan's star power can't save scattered epic

India Today

4 days ago

What hurts more than a film failing is when a film with strong ideas stumbles under the weight of generic, dull scenes that don't match the scale or ambition of the concept. In Indian cinema, most historical dramas tend to focus on royal wars or intense love stories rooted in tradition and belief systems. But there's another genre that's rarely explored: the historical action-adventure.advertisementPawan Kalyan's 'Hari Hara Veera Mallu' is a bold attempt to explore that space. It starts with the promise of an exciting story: a thief with secret motives is hired to steal the Koh-i-Noor from Aurangzeb's palace. He is joined by a crew of misfits, each talented in their own way. On paper, it's a great setup for an adventure.Then the film adds another layer. It also tries to be a story of resistance, a fight against Aurangzeb's rule and the oppression of Hindus. This shifts the tone towards a drama hinging on people's rebellion, making the hero more than just a thief. There's also a third angle. The film blends fiction with real historical figures. Like 'RRR' or 'Inglourious Basterds', it plays with alternate history. So now we have a heist story, a rebellion, and a fictional take on real events - all in one film!
Each idea works on its own. But 'Hari Hara Veera Mallu' struggles to tie them together in a smooth, balanced way. The film shifts the tone too often, and the story never fully commits to one clear direction. There's no question about the ambition behind it. With a star like Pawan Kalyan, a rich period setting, and a genre that offers a lot of potential, this could have been a unique and entertaining experience. Instead, the film gives us a few strong moments but doesn't hold together as a whole. Set in the 1650s, the story follows Veera Mallu (Pawan Kalyan), a Robin Hood-like outlaw drawn into a web of politics, resistance, and legend. Initially recruited by the King of Kollur, Veera escapes with Panchami (Nidhhi Agerwal) and impresses Qutub Shah (Dalip Tahil), who entrusts him with a greater task: steal the Koh-i-Noor from Mughal emperor Aurangzeb (Bobby Deol). But this isn't just about the diamond. Beneath the mission lies a personal journey, marked by buried secrets and emotional scars.The film opens with grandeur. The sets in the first half, particularly the palace interiors and the bustling Kollur town, are rich in texture and detail. The Machilipatnam port fight and the Charminar chase are staged with flair, and Pawan Kalyan brings his signature gravitas to the role. His presence is the glue holding everything together. Every scene he walks into gets a little more watchable. Even in moments where the script fumbles, he powers through with conviction.advertisementComposer MM Keeravani's score complements this world well, though not every stretch lands musically. Some cues feel old-school, but when it works, especially during action set pieces and emotional peaks, the music elevates the film.The action choreography is among the film's biggest assets. The first half features standout sequences: the Machilipatnam port fight and the Charminar battle, to be particular. Each is executed with scale and flair. The second half includes a compelling action block in a Mughal-ruled village, which stands out for its raw intensity. These sequences are uplifted by the energy of the stunts, Pawan Kalyan's involvement, and a sense of cinematic momentum.But here's where the problems begin: tonal inconsistency. High moments are abruptly undercut by misplaced humour. A scene where Veera converses with wolves could've added mystique but is instead played for laughs. His team of misfits, featuring actors like Nasser and Subbaraju, have the potential to shine but are reduced to mere fillers. You're reminded of Kamal Haasan's squad in 'Vikram', and how underwritten this ensemble feels in comparison. They just exist, without a single standout moment.advertisementDialogues oscillate between massy and meaningful, but even powerful lines get diluted by awkward editing and staging. A standout line by Sathyaraj comparing the sea approaching land to destruction deserved a better moment than the one it got. The comedy sequences and punchlines feel dated, and their timing often derails the scene's emotional weight. The film's second half is where the energy truly dips. With much of the narrative held back for the sequel, the makers insert filler scenes that test the viewer's patience. These segments, though passable in isolation, feel stretched and repetitive. Several scenes feel like climaxes, creating a sense of fatigue.The VFX is undoubtedly the biggest letdown of the film. For a film this ambitious, several key scenes, including the hilltop confrontation, suffer from subpar CGI. Scenes feel unfinished or patched together. It's clear the film has gone through production hurdles, and that shows in the uneven editing and occasional abrupt cuts. Some portions feel like they lacked footage, while others were oddly trimmed.advertisementStill, there are sparks. Bobby Deol makes a strong impression in his brief moments, bringing menace and intensity. Nidhhi Agerwal delivers her part with grace, though she fades into the background in the second half. Sathyaraj adds gravitas, but his character arc feels underdeveloped. Supporting actors like Sunil, Kabir Duhan Singh, and Raghu Babu serve their roles effectively but don't leave a lasting impact.The cinematography by Gnana Sekhar VS and Manoj Paramahamsa adds richness to the film's period setting. Director Krish Jagarlamudi's vision is evident throughout the portions he helmed. His historical detailing and narrative style lend depth to the film. Jyothi Krishna, who took over the reins from Krish, completed the film's remaining portions and handles them decently, but the tonal shift and change of vision is noticeable.'Hari Hara Veera Mallu: Part 1' is a film full of ideas, ambition, and star power, but its execution doesn't quite rise to match them. It sets the stage, offers glimpses of what could be an epic, but stumbles too often to leave a lasting impact. What it needed was tighter writing, better tonal control, and sharper visual storytelling.- Ends2 out of 5 for 'Hari Hara Veera Mallu: Part 1'.