Allu Arjun recalls he was jobless after his debut, Pushpa 2 director Sukumar saved him: ‘No one offered me a film’

At the Pushpa 2 pre-release event in Chennai, Allu Arjun spoke fondly about his association with Pushpa 2: The Rule director Sukumar, and reminisced on the foundation of their bonding.

By: Entertainment Desk

Chennai | Updated: November 25, 2024 09:54 AM IST

3 min read

Allu Arjun talks about bonding with Sukumar at Pushpa 2 event in Chennai

Allu Arjun talks about bonding with Sukumar at Pushpa 2: The Rule event in Chennai

20 years back, two fresh talents decided to come together to make a film. One was a debut director. One was a one-film-old lead actor. And the film was Arya. While the blockbuster success of director Sukumar’s debut film and Allu Arjun’s sophomore film was the stuff of legend, this combination went on to give one superhit after another, and each grew bigger in scale and success. After Arya (2004), they reunited for Arya 2 in 2009. Then, in 2021, they worked together in Pushpa, and now, they are back together for Pushpa 2: The Rule. It is impressive how Allu Arjun and Sukumar seem to love hunting in pairs.

At the pre-release event in Chennai, Allu Arjun spoke fondly about their relationship that has blossomed over the past two decades. In a heartfelt moment, the Pushpa star pointed out that it was Sukumar who gave his career a much-needed push in the right direction. “I made my debut as a lead actor with Raghavendra Rao garu’s Gangotri. He delivered a superhit, but I didn’t deliver as an actor,” said Allu Arjun, who went on to reveal that he was out of work for the next year. “No one came to work with me after the release of the film. Then, a debut filmmaker came up to me and offered Arya. There has been no looking back since then.”

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Sukumar, who didn’t attend the event due to a jam-packed post-production schedule, was praised to the hilt by Allu Arjun, whose speech would have dispelled all speculations about things not being that gung-ho between the actor and the filmmaker. He said, “When I look back at my career, and if I have to point out the one person who had the maximum impact in my life, it would have to be Sukumar. Even now, he is busy with the post-production. HIs absence speaks louder than his presence. I miss you, Sukku. We are all in this together.”

During the event, the makers launched the song, Kissik, a special dance number from Pushpa 2, which features Sreeleela for the first time along with Allu Arjun. Apart from Arjun and Sreeleela, the event was attended by Rashmika Mandanna, and Devi Sri Prasad.

Pushpa 2 Budget

Made on a high budget of Rs 400-500 crore, the makers are confident that Pushpa 2: The Rule will be Allu Arjun’s maiden entry into the Rs 1000 crore club. The film is considered to be one of the most expensive Indian films.

Pushpa 2 Cast and Crew

The sequel will also see the return of Fahadh Faasil, Sunil, Ajay Ghosh, Anasuya Bhardwaj, Ajay, Prathap, Brahmaji, Dhananjaya, Mime Gopi and more. Veteran actor Jagapathi Babu has joined the sequel. With cinematography by Mirosław Kuba Brożek, the editing of Pushpa 2: The Rule will be handled by Naveen Nooli

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ALSO READ: Pushpa 2: The Rule breaks US records for fastest $1mn pre-sales; Allu Arjun film off to a flying start

Pushpa 2 Release Date

Pushpa 2: The Rule will release worldwide on December 5, and is expected to have one of the widest releases. The film will be released in Telugu, Tamil, Malayalam, and Hindi.

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