Hyderabad: Tollywood’s legendary generational shift has taken centre stage once again. Decades after NTR and Krishna dominated screens and stole the hearts of millions, the mantle has now passed to the Power Star himself—Pawan Kalyan—with the announcement that it’s “Ram” now.
The phrase “It’s Ram Now” has emerged as the latest buzzword in Telugu cinema circles, symbolising the transition from old-school star power to contemporary box-office dominance. Pawan Kalyan’s upcoming pan-India epic “Hari Hara Veera Mallu” is at the heart of this movement.
The “Ram” Connection: Pawi’s Historic Double-Role
In the ambitious four-part saga, Pawan Kalyan will portray two distinct characters—Hari and Hara, with the latter being a sharp-dressed радикаl leader named Ram. The character’s name has struck a chord with fans, who are now rallying behind the “Ram for Ram” slogan at theatre screenings.
Release Date: July 24, 2025 (pan-India theatrical release)
Director: Krish Jagarlamudi
Cast: Pawan Kalyan, Jyothika, and an ensemble cast
Budget: Estimated ₹200 crore (pan-India scale)
Legacy of NTR and Krishna: The Foundation of Telugu Cinema
NTR and Krishna each ruled Tollywood for decades:
- NTR (1923–2004) was not just an actor but a three-time Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, playing Lord Rama so convincingly that fans considered him a deity on screen.
- Krishna (1942–2022) was the first pan-Indian Telugu star, known for his 600+ films and the iconic “Ghatotkacha” and “Sri Ramadasu” roles.
Back in the 1980s, the two legends had a public tussle that saw Krishna producing multiple films criticising NTR’s political rise—a rivalry that shaped Telugu cinema’s political and cultural landscape.
Why Pawan Kalyan Is the New “Ram”
Pawan Kalyan, nephew of late NTR and younger brother of NTR Jr., has built his own legacy over 25 years in cinema and politics. His portrayal of Ram in Hari Hara Veera Mallu is being hailed as a tribute to both NTR’s mythological Rama and Krishna’s heroic roles.
“As Pawan Kalyan’s upcoming film Hari Hara Veera Mallu is gearing up for July 24th release, the hype surrounding the film has reached fever pitch,”
The makers have strategically positioned the film as a pan-India release on July 24, 2025, with the tagline: “Witness the Battle for truth, faith and freedom.”
The Generational Shift: Timeline of Tollywood Stars
| Generation | Era | Iconic Star | Signature Role |
|---|---|---|---|
| First | 1950s–1990s | NTR | Lord Rama (Mythological) |
| Second | 1970s–2000s | Krishna | Ghatotkacha, Sri Ramadasu |
| Third | 2000s–Present | Pawan Kalyan | Ram (Hari Hara Veera Mallu) |
Fan Hype and Industry Impact
The “It’s Ram Now” slogan has already gone viral on social media, with Pawan Kalyan fans creating posters, memes, and video edits celebrating the transition. The film’s release date was initially set for June 12, 2025, but was postponed to July 24 to maximise box-office impact.
Industry insiders predict Hari Hara Veera Mallu could cross ₹500 crore worldwide, rivalling the biggest pan-India releases from the South.
What This Means for Tollywood
Pawan Kalyan’s “Ram” represents more than just a character—it’s a cultural moment that bridges generations of Telugu cinema. While NTR and Krishna laid the foundation, Pawan Kalyan is now building the future, blending mythological gravitas with modern action storytelling.
As the July 24 release approaches, one thing is clear: the throne has been passed, and it’s Ram’s time to rule.
