Hari Hara Veera Mallu: Pawan Kalyan gets objectifying lyrics changed; netizens ask why let write at all

Pawan Kalyan makes a change in Hari Hara Veera Mallu song

During a recent press event in Hyderabad to promote the upcoming period drama Hari Hara Veera Mallu, music director MM Keeravaani revealed that the film’s protagonist, Pawan Kalyan, who also serves as Andhra Pradesh's Deputy Chief Minister — stepped in to change the lyrics of a song that he felt were objectifying.

The incident, which has won Pawan applause from his supporters, has the producer of the film fielding questions about the 'item song', which is apparently included in the historical film!

Talking about Pawan’s inclusion, Keeravaani said: “Hari Hara Veera Mallu is a tale of fighting for justice, and who better than Pawan Kalyan to play that fire? He is possessed of an inextinguishable spirit.”

He even tackled the row head-on and disclosed that there was a special song in the film that goes by the name of ‘Tara Tara’, which originally had common lyrics found in commercial item songs.

“There were lines that were written keeping him in mind, but Pawan went, I have a certain amount of responsibility to hold now — you need to change these lyrics.”

Pawan’s move to ask for lyrics that are more respectful was met with praise from fans on the internet. He was lauded by many for being accountable, as people left comments like, “Maa anna bangaram” (Our brother is gold), and “great to see this change from a star like him.”

The song’s very existence incites backlash

But not everyone was impressed. The larger question, on social media, at least, was: why should a historical film like HHVM have an item song in the first place? One user asked bluntly, “Whatever became of your judgment? Why add an item song to a film like this

Another remarked, “How do you even think of writing such lyrics when you know that he’s a Deputy CM?” A couple of them also noted that while Pawan asked for the lyrics to be transformed, he didn’t demand the removal of the song.

"He requested that they write some new lyrics, but did not doubt that the song belonged in the film. Why?”

Another added, “If the song didn’t match the ethos of the film, why approve it?”

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Focus on ‘Hari Hara Veera Mallu’

Helmed by Krish, the film is penned by AM Jyothi Krishna and is based on history and tells the story of a rebellious outlaw who wages war against injustice. The film also stars Bobby Deol, Nidhhi Agerwal, Nargis Fakhri and Nora Fatehi, who is said to have an item number in the film.

The film is slated for release in theatres on June 12, and the stakes are really high, given that a threatened theatre shutdown in Telugu states was called off for now to have a smooth run.

If the ruckus over the item song has sparked a debate, it also reflects the balancing act that actors and filmmakers now find themselves doing — between commercial ingredients and changing public tastes. But if Hari Hara Veera Mallu is able to maintain that balance, we will have to wait and watch on the big screen.