Telugu cinema and political icon Pawan Kalyan has expressed his admiration for the film 'Dhurandhar', praising its bold storytelling, while also sharing how the film 'Baramulla' resonated with him due to his personal memories of Kashmir. In an interview with ANI, Kalyan discussed his views on cinema, comparisons between industries, and his unique relaxation method through horror films.
Pawan Kalyan on 'Dhurandhar' and Cross-Industry Comparisons
Kalyan stated that he does not enjoy comparisons between Hindi and South Indian cinema, preferring to appreciate good storytelling regardless of language. Commenting on recent films, he said, 'I like 'Dhurandhar'. I like the boldness in 'Dhurandhar'. I didn't see the second part because I couldn't afford to go to theatre. But I liked what they did.' Directed by National Award-winning filmmaker Aditya Dhar, 'Dhurandhar' is a spy action thriller featuring a stellar cast including Ranveer Singh, R Madhavan, Arjun Rampal, Akshaye Khanna, and Sanjay Dutt.
Personal Connection to 'Baramulla'
Kalyan also praised the film 'Baramulla', a 2025 supernatural horror thriller directed by Aditya Suhas Jambhale and produced under Jio Studios and B62 Studios. The film stars Manav Kaul and Bhasha Sumbli. 'I liked one film called, 'Baramulla',' he added. The actor-politician revealed that the film's narrative took him back to his visits to Srinagar during the late 1980s when he frequently travelled there for film shoots. 'What he conveyed in that film was entirely different. I felt what a great narrative approach,' he said.
Recalling Kashmir's Unrest
Reflecting on the period between 1987 and 1989, Kalyan said he witnessed early signs of unrest in the Valley. 'I had seen those little tremors...I felt the Kashmiri Pandit suffering and all that. I had seen it at a very, you know, initiative stage that little tremors were there...I don't like when someone tells me, 'Get out.' I think that's one painful thing. That's why I liked Baramulla,' Kalyan explained.
Love for Horror Films
Kalyan also shared his fondness for horror films, noting that they help him relax. 'I like horror films because it engages me. It doesn't let me think. It arrests my mind. Otherwise my mind goes haywire. When I don't get sleep, I watch a horror film and suddenly my mind calms down,' he said.
Pawan Kalyan's Dual Career
Today, Pawan Kalyan is one of the most recognizable names in Telugu cinema and politics. Popularly known as the 'Power Star' among fans, he has enjoyed a successful career as an actor and martial artist before emerging as a major political figure in Andhra Pradesh. Kalyan currently serves as the 11th Deputy Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh and remains one of the most influential personalities in South India.
