Big Telugu Releases Postpone May 30 Plans Amid Tension; Bhairava Steps In

Until recently, May 30 was shaping up to be a major date for Telugu cinema, with high-profile films like Vijay Deverakonda’s Kingdom and Pawan Kalyan’s Hari Hara Veera Mallu targeting the release window. However, shifting circumstances—both logistical and political—have prompted a change in plans.

Despite promotional material still listing May 30 as the release date, insiders reveal that nothing is set in stone. Kingdom is reportedly still in post-production, with composer Anirudh Ravichander yet to complete the re-recording. While that alone might justify a delay, the larger concern stems from the current tense atmosphere across the country. With unrest particularly affecting North India, public gatherings are being limited, and cinema footfall has declined in key markets.

Hari Hara Veera Mallu, originally envisioned as a pan-India release, is also retreating from the May 30 date. Producer AM Ratnam is keen on doing justice to Pawan Kalyan’s stature, especially in the Hindi market. However, with limited time for dubbing, promotion, and ensuring a safe and impactful release, the team is now eyeing a June rollout.

With these big-ticket films stepping aside, the stage is now open for Bhairava, starring Bellamkonda Sai Sreenivas, Manchu Manoj, and Nara Rohit. Slated to release on May 30, this remake with a modest budget is seen as a safer bet. With reduced competition, the film could benefit from positive word-of-mouth and attract audiences in search of mass entertainers.

In the broader context, skipping May 30 might prove advantageous for films like Kingdom and Hari Hara Veera Mallu. Should the current unrest ease by June, the new window could offer a more secure and lucrative environment for their high-stakes launches. Under normal circumstances, May 30 would’ve been ideal—but this year, patience may pay off.