Jeevi interviews Natural star Nani for #HIT3

Until recently, May 30 was poised to be a landmark date for Telugu cinema, with high-profile films like Kingdom, starring Vijay Deverakonda, and Pawan Kalyan’s much-anticipated Hari Hara Veera Mallu targeting a simultaneous release. However, shifting ground realities—ranging from post-production delays to broader national concerns—have led to a major rethink among producers.

Despite promotional materials still carrying the May 30 release date, insiders suggest that these schedules are tentative at best. Kingdom, for instance, remains in the post-production phase, with composer Anirudh yet to complete the background score. While technical delays are not uncommon, the decision to reconsider the release date is also influenced by escalating tensions in parts of the country, particularly North India. With public gatherings being curtailed and theatre attendance dipping, especially in the Hindi-speaking belt, releasing a major film now could undermine its box office potential.

Hari Hara Veera Mallu faces a similar dilemma. Designed as a pan-India spectacle and a key release for Pawan Kalyan, the film requires ample time for dubbing, promotions, and a stable environment to make a nationwide impact. Producer AM Ratnam is now exploring a possible June release, aligning with the hope that the situation will stabilize, thereby ensuring the film receives the attention and footfalls it deserves.

With these big-budget contenders stepping aside, Bhairava, starring Bellamkonda Sai Sreenivas, Manchu Manoj, and Nara Rohit, is set to take over the May 30 slot. As a remake with a relatively modest budget, the film carries lower financial risk. Its producers are banking on positive word-of-mouth and the reduced competition to attract audiences seeking a mass-market entertainer.

In the grander scheme, deferring the release might prove advantageous for Kingdom and Hari Hara Veera Mallu. A less volatile and more predictable market environment in June could enhance both audience turnout and revenue, ultimately justifying the short-term delay. While May 30 is traditionally a strong box-office window, the unique challenges of this year make caution the smarter choice for Telugu cinema’s biggest names.