When a film goes from the big screen to the OTT space, audiences usually expect additional content—deleted scenes, behind-the-scenes footage, or maybe extended versions of some sequences. But in the case of Pawan Kalyan’s much-hyped period action-drama Hari Hara Veera Mallu, the OTT release has taken a different turn altogether. Instead of bonus features, the movie arrived with a tweaked ending, leaving fans more puzzled than pleased. Even more surprisingly, viewers now claim the film has been presented with three different climaxes across versions, sparking heated debates online.
This unusual move has stirred strong reactions, and social media is abuzz with confusion, disappointment, and curiosity. Let’s take a deep dive into what exactly happened, why the film has multiple endings, and how fans are reacting to this unprecedented decision.
The Journey of Hari Hara Veera Mallu: From Theatres to OTT
Directed by Krish Jagarlamudi, Hari Hara Veera Mallu has been one of Pawan Kalyan’s most ambitious projects. Set in the Mughal era, the film narrates the story of a rebellious outlaw who dares to challenge the mighty empire and its authority. With grand sets, historical backdrops, and powerful dialogues, the film was marketed as a lavish period epic designed to celebrate the larger-than-life image of Pawan Kalyan.
Theatrically, the film opened to mixed reviews. While fans loved Pawan Kalyan’s screen presence and action sequences, critics pointed out loopholes in the storytelling and pacing. The climax, in particular, became a talking point—some felt it was rushed, while others argued it did not do justice to the hero’s journey.
After its theatrical run, the movie finally landed on an OTT platform. And this is where things got interesting: viewers immediately noticed that the OTT version of the film had a slightly altered ending compared to what they saw in theatres.
The Three Different Climaxes: What Are They?
Here’s a breakdown of the three endings being discussed among fans:
- The Theatrical Climax – In the original version screened in theatres, the film concluded with Veera Mallu leading a massive revolt against the Mughal forces. The action-heavy sequence ended on a hopeful note, symbolizing his rise as a people’s hero. However, some critics felt the ending was abrupt and failed to explore the emotional depth of Veera Mallu’s journey.
- The OTT Ending – When the film dropped on streaming platforms, audiences were shocked to find that the climax had been slightly altered. Instead of a straightforward victory, the OTT cut introduced a more ambiguous conclusion, leaving Veera Mallu’s fate open-ended. This version leaned more towards historical realism, hinting at sacrifices rather than an outright triumph.
- The Alternate International Version – To add more confusion, some overseas audiences claim they were presented with a third climax altogether. This version, reportedly screened at certain international film festivals, combined elements of both previous endings but added a dramatic twist—Veera Mallu being betrayed by close allies.
While filmmakers occasionally tweak endings for artistic reasons, presenting three different conclusions for the same film has left fans bewildered.
Why Was the Ending Changed?
The question on everyone’s mind is simple: why would the makers alter the climax after release? There are several possible reasons:
- Creative Experimentation – Director Krish is known for his unconventional narrative choices. It is possible that he always had multiple endings in mind and wanted to experiment with different versions to see which one resonates best.
- OTT Strategy – Streaming platforms often push for exclusive content. By tweaking the ending, the makers may have hoped to draw more audiences to watch the OTT version, sparking conversations and debates online.
- Political Undertones – Since Pawan Kalyan is also a political leader, some speculate that the theatrical ending was designed to highlight his heroism, while the OTT ending was toned down to avoid political parallels or controversies.
- Test for Sequels – Filmmakers sometimes keep storylines open-ended to pave the way for sequels. The ambiguous OTT ending may have been a deliberate move to leave room for Hari Hara Veera Mallu Part 2.
Regardless of the reasoning, the decision has ended up creating more confusion than curiosity.
Fan Reactions: Disappointment Over Multiple Endings
The response from fans has been overwhelmingly mixed, with a larger share leaning toward frustration. On social media platforms like Twitter (X), Reddit, and Instagram, hashtags such as #HariHaraVeeraMalluOTT and #VeeraMalluEnding started trending soon after the OTT release.
- Many fans expressed anger, arguing that the film’s makers should not play with the audience’s emotions by constantly altering the climax.
- Others felt cheated, as they expected more clarity and grandeur in the OTT release rather than a toned-down or confusing ending.
- A few cinephiles, however, appreciated the bold move, suggesting that multiple endings allow viewers to interpret the story in their own way, much like in international cinema.
But overall, the consensus seems to be that a single definitive ending would have been better.
The Larger Debate: Should Films Have Multiple Endings?
The controversy around Hari Hara Veera Mallu has also reignited an age-old debate: should filmmakers provide different versions of their films to different audiences?
In Hollywood, alternate endings are often included as DVD extras or bonus content. However, the main theatrical version usually remains consistent worldwide. By contrast, the Indian audience is more accustomed to a single, definitive narrative.
While artistic freedom is important, critics argue that constantly tweaking endings risks alienating loyal fans who invest emotionally in the characters. In the case of Hari Hara Veera Mallu, the very identity of the protagonist seems to shift depending on which version one watches.
The Impact on Pawan Kalyan’s Stardom
For Pawan Kalyan fans, the film was more than just cinema—it was a celebration of their star’s charisma. However, the multiple climax experiment has slightly dampened the excitement. Some fans feel that instead of cementing his legacy with a memorable historical epic, the inconsistent storytelling has weakened the overall impact of the film.
That said, Pawan Kalyan’s star power remains intact. His larger-than-life screen presence, combined with his political journey, ensures that he continues to command massive popularity. But Hari Hara Veera Mallu could have been a milestone moment for his filmography if not for the executional missteps.
What Lies Ahead: Will There Be a Sequel?
Amid all the chaos, one silver lining is the speculation about a potential sequel. The ambiguous OTT ending suggests that the makers might already be planning Hari Hara Veera Mallu 2. If that’s the case, the multiple climaxes may serve as a setup for the continuation of the story.
However, whether fans will embrace a sequel after this polarizing move remains to be seen. The success of any future installment will heavily depend on how the makers address the current backlash.
Conclusion
The OTT release of Hari Hara Veera Mallu has stirred up a storm—not for its visuals, not for its performances, but for its ever-changing climax. While filmmakers may argue this as a creative experiment, the larger audience seems frustrated and confused.
In an age where viewers crave clarity and closure, offering three different endings risks diluting the impact of the story. As discussions continue, one thing is certain: Hari Hara Veera Mallu has sparked one of the most unusual debates in Telugu cinema in recent times.
For now, fans are left wondering—which ending is the real one?
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