"Hari Hara Veera Mallu: Part 1 – Sword vs Spirit" has finally hit theaters after years of delays and high expectations. Directed by Krish Jagarlamudi and A. M. Jyothi Krishna, the film stars Pawan Kalyan as the titular character, alongside Bobby Deol, Nidhhi Agerwal, and others. Set in the 17th-century Mughal Empire, the story follows Veera Mallu, a Robin Hood-like outlaw on a quest to steal the Koh-i-Noor diamond from Aurangzeb.

Pawan Kalyan's performance is a major highlight, with many praising his powerful screen presence and dialogue delivery. He brings a mix of strength and restraint to the role of Veera Mallu, anchoring the film with conviction. Bobby Deol, as Aurangzeb, is menacing, though his interactions with Pawan Kalyan are limited in this first part. Nidhhi Agerwal makes a decent impression in the first half but her character fades as the plot progresses.

The film attempts to blend a heist story with a tale of rebellion against Aurangzeb's rule, incorporating fictional elements with real historical figures. However, some reviews suggest that the movie struggles to cohesively tie these elements together, resulting in tonal shifts and a lack of clear direction. Some netizens found the religious undertones forced.

Technically, "Hari Hara Veera Mallu" has both strengths and weaknesses. The cinematography by Gnana Sekhar V.S. and Manoj Paramahamsa is commendable, adding richness to the film's period setting. The action choreography, featuring the work of Nick Powell, Ram-Laxman, and Peter Hein, is also a significant asset, with standout sequences in the first half. M. M. Keeravaani's music is a major highlight, enhancing the film's emotional and dramatic moments. However, the visual effects are a significant drawback, with subpar CGI that detracts from key scenes and breaks immersion. Some critics have described the VFX as "horrible" and "embarrassingly poor".

Some reviews suggest that the first half of the film is more gripping than the second, with the narrative losing steam as it progresses. With much of the story deliberately held back for the sequel, some scenes feel like filler, testing the audience's patience. Despite these criticisms, the film ends with a cliffhanger, setting the stage for "Hari Hara Veera Mallu: Part 2 – Battlefield".