Following the disastrous reception of hari Hara Veera Mallu, fans of pooja hegde have taken to social media to urge the actress not to sign any project alongside Pawan Kalyan. The disappointment surrounding the film has been so profound that it sparked a wider conversation about the career risks associated with pairing opposite the actor, especially in his politically-influenced phase of cinema.
Many cited the example of actress Nidhhi Agerwal, who was cast opposite Pawan in hari Hara Veera Mallu and subsequently saw a five-year freeze in her career, with no new releases or major signings during the lengthy production delays. The film's eventual failure, both critically and commercially, only added insult to injury, leading fans to fear a similar fate for pooja if she associates with the same team.
Pooja Hegde, who has built a reputation for pairing with top-tier actors across industries — from allu arjun to Vijay and salman khan — is known for her selective and calculated career choices. She’s carved out a niche for herself as both a glamorous lead and a commercially bankable actress.
Recently, her name was floated in industry circles as a potential female lead in an upcoming film with Pawan Kalyan, following the completion of Ustaad Bhagat Singh. However, the buzz has been met with mixed reactions, especially from Pooja's fanbase, who fear that associating with a politically controversial and currently inconsistent actor like Pawan might hurt her brand and momentum in the industry. With the shadows of hari Hara Veera Mallu still looming large, many feel it’s too risky a gamble.
The fan concern is rooted not in animosity toward Pawan Kalyan, but in the track record of his recent films and their impact on female co-stars. They believe that with pooja still commanding strong demand across South indian cinema and Bollywood, she should avoid projects that might tie her down with delays, weak scripts, or politically-tinged narratives.

As actresses today are increasingly aware of career optics and brand positioning, this pushback from fans reflects a shift in how film pairings are now viewed — not just as casting decisions, but as long-term investments in an actor’s career. For now, all eyes are on whether pooja will consider the offer or steer clear, heeding the cautionary voices of her loyal supporters.

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