Pushpa 2 Breaks Records: Has Allu Arjun Become the Biggest Pan-Indian Star?
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There is no doubt that Allu Arjun, known as the 'Icon Star,' serves as the driving force behind Pushpa 2: The Rule, particularly following the film's remarkable global gross of ₹283 crore, directed by Sukumar. When Pushpa: The Rise premiered in December 2021, it exceeded expectations, especially considering its release in the aftermath of the pandemic, achieving an impressive ₹74 crore on its opening day. Ultimately, Pushpa: The Rise emerged as the highest-grossing film of 2021. With the sequel, significant box office success was anticipated, but the extent of its achievement remained uncertain. Pushpa 2 has rapidly surpassed previous box office records, including those set by Shah Rukh Khan’s Jawan and SS Rajamouli’s RRR.
The hits and misses
Despite receiving mixed reviews from both critics and audiences, Pushpa 2: The Rule possesses all the elements of a successful mass commercial film. Allu Arjun's portrayal of Pushpa Raj is iconic, and he fully embodies the character on screen. Viewers are immersed in the persona of Pushpa, characterized by his distinctive swagger, flashy attire, memorable dialogues, and catchphrases such as ‘thaggede le’ and ‘wildfire’ delivered in the unique Chittoor dialect, along with the captivating ‘Gangamma Jathara’ sequence. The musical contributions by Devi Sri Prasad further enhance the film's appeal, with tracks like Pushpa Pushpa, Sooseki, Peelings, and Kissik quickly becoming chart-toppers. The combination of mass appeal and vibrant choreography in these songs amplifies the film's grandiose atmosphere and striking cinematography, which deserves commendation, particularly the work of Miroslaw Kuba Brozek.
The film, while entertaining, is not without its shortcomings. A strong narrative crafted by Sukumar was notably absent. Throughout its lengthy runtime of three hours and twenty-one minutes, the film struggled to balance the portrayal of Pushpa Raj as both an international criminal and a devoted husband, ultimately losing focus. Several superfluous scenes, such as unnecessary fight sequences, could have been omitted, and the editing by Navin Nooli could have benefited from greater precision. Fahadh Faasil’s character, Shekhawat, had the potential to serve as the primary antagonist; a direct confrontation between FaFa and Pushpa could have elevated the film significantly. However, by relegating Fahadh Faasil’s role to a comedic one and lacking a formidable villain, the narrative failed to convey a sense of urgency or danger for Pushpa. Consequently, the film lost momentum. Despite these critiques, Pushpa 2 remains a film that appeals to mass audiences. This raises the question: has Allu Arjun emerged as the foremost pan-Indian star from the southern film industry?
From Tollywood to Global Icon
It is noteworthy that stars regarded as pan-Indian and significant box office draws predominantly originate from the Telugu film industry. The individuals most commonly associated with the term ‘pan-Indian star’—aside from Yash—include Prabhas, Ram Charan, and Jr NTR, all of whom have established a robust connection with the Hindi market through their cinematic endeavours. Allu Arjun's name has also been mentioned in this context, particularly following the success of Pushpa; with the upcoming Pushpa 2, he has solidified his status, demonstrating that he is not merely a one-hit sensation in Hindi cinema.
Each of these Telugu actors possesses remarkable charisma and heroism on screen, delivering exceptional performances that resonate emotionally with audiences, whether they are Telugu or Hindi speakers. For example, the ‘Gangamma Jathara’ sequence in Pushpa 2 stands out as a unique highlight of the film. Allu Arjun, adorned in a captivating blue and red saree with intricate face paint, performs a ritualistic dance to honour Goddess Gangamma, showcasing not only his dancing prowess but also the depth of his commitment—both physically and emotionally—to the character, ensuring an engaging experience for viewers.
Naturally, during the production of Pushpa 2, there were rumours suggesting disagreements between Allu Arjun and director Sukumar regarding certain elements of the film; however, such tensions are not uncommon in the industry. Both Sukumar and Allu Arjun had significant stakes in the success of Pushpa 2, as replicating the success of a blockbuster sequel is a challenging endeavour, with only Telugu director SS Rajamouli having achieved this feat thus far. With Pushpa 2, Allu Arjun's appeal has expanded significantly across India and internationally. In the United States, for instance, the film sold over 70,000 premiere tickets, generating nearly US $2 million prior to its release. Therefore, it can be concluded that Allu Arjun has transcended his status as merely the Icon Star of Tollywood, emerging as a global Icon Star.
