Telangana allows special shows, ticket hike for Pawan Kalyan's Hari Hara Veera Mallu

Telangana allows special shows, ticket hike for Pawan Kalyan's Hari Hara Veera Mallu

A political and cinematic storm has erupted in Telangana after the state government approved special privileges, including a steep ticket price hike and premiere show, for ‘Hari Hara Veera Mallu’, the much-awaited film starring actor-politician Pawan Kalyan.

This decision has sparked public criticism and political scrutiny, especially in the wake of the Pushpa 2 tragedy that claimed a life and left another critically injured just months ago.

The government order allows a special premiere screening of ‘Haradi Hara Veera Mallu’ at 9 PM on July 23, a day before its official release, with ticket prices pegged at a staggering Rs 600.

Additionally, the order permits price hikes of Rs 200 for multiplexes and Rs 150 for single screens from July 24 to 27. A reduced hike will follow, with Rs 150 in multiplexes and Rs 106 in single screens between July 28 and August 2.

This move sharply contradicts the earlier stance of Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy, who had taken a firm position against such privileges after the fatal stampede at the ‘Pushpa 2’ screening in December 2024.

At the time, Reddy had blamed the film industry for its "reckless crowd-pulling stunts" and vowed never to allow benefit or premiere shows while in office. “Until I am Chief Minister, I will not allow any privileges to the film industry,” he had declared in a fiery Assembly speech.

The reversal has raised eyebrows, with critics accusing the government of political favoritism and inconsistency. Adding fuel to the fire, the film’s producer, AM Rathnam, openly credited Rohin Reddy, a close aide to the Chief Minister, for securing the controversial clearances. “Thanks to Rohin Reddy… we received clearance for special show,” Rathnam stated at a recent promotional event.

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This admission has intensified allegations of political interference and selective privilege, particularly as Pawan Kalyan leads the Jana Sena Party, an NDA ally, and enjoys massive fan support in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.

As the debate rages, the state government's decision is being viewed as a politically motivated compromise that undermines previous promises of public safety and regulation in the entertainment sector. All eyes are now on July 23, as the film’s premiere unfolds under the shadow of controversy.