Producer Dil Raju recently held a press meet to address the misconception that the proposed theater shutdown was intended to block the release of Hari Hara Veera Mallu.
He firmly stated that “no one has the courage to stop a Pawan Kalyan film.”
Once considered close to Pawan Kalyan, Dil Raju was even acknowledged by the actor-politician during a recent meeting, where Pawan revealed that he used the remuneration from Vakeel Saab — paid by Dil Raju — to support his political party.
However, in a dramatic shift, Pawan publicly criticized Dil Raju, Suresh Babu, Suniel Narang, and Allu Aravind, labeling them as “Aa Naluguru” (The Four) and accusing them of betrayal through a so-called “return gift.”
In response, both Dil Raju and Allu Aravind clarified that they had no role in obstructing the release of Hari Hara Veera Mallu.
Today, after the Deputy Chief Minister’s office issued a statement declaring that individual producers are welcome but all official dealings must be routed through the Film Chamber of Commerce, Dil Raju responded promptly.
He praised Pawan Kalyan’s move and expressed interest in implementing a similar system in Telangana, subject to discussions with Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy.
As the current chairperson of the Telangana Film Development Corporation, Dil Raju’s quick and diplomatic response has led many to believe that major players in the Telugu film industry are now treading cautiously around Pawan Kalyan.
