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Sukumar’s speech at Pushpa 2 Hyderabad event leaves Allu Arjun in tears: ‘Pushpa is not just cinema, it is my…’

At the Pushpa 2 pre-release event in Hyderabad, director Sukumar took to the stage for the first time in the promotional campaign and spoke highly of his bond with Allu Arjun.

Sukumar's speech brings Allu Arjun to tears at Pushpa 2 event.

Pushpa 2: The Rule was supposed to hit the screens on August 15, 2024. The stage was set for the return of Pushparaj as the boss of the red sandalwood crime syndicate who has to fight it out against an equally egotistical cop Bhanwar Singh Shekawat. However, closer to the release date, there were speculations that a rift between director Sukumar and actor Allu Arjun was derailing the shooting process. It was then announced that Pushpa 2 wouldn’t meet the proposed date of August 15. Many rumours started to circulate, chief among them was how the movie could actually be shelved due to irreconcilable differences. Cut to four months later, Sukumar, at Pushpa 2’s pre-release event in Hyderabad, hugged Allu Arjun tight for a long time before stepping on to the stage. “Pushpa 1 and Pushpa 2 was made just because of my love for my darling, Bunny,” said Sukumar about his Pushpa actor.

Sukumar, who made his directorial debut with Allu Arjun’s sophomore film, Arya, has been an integral part of the actor’s two-decade-long career. “From Arya, I have seen his growth as a person, and as an artist. The bond that we share stems from an exchange of creative energy. We discuss strongly about his performances, and he gives it all to ensure even the slightest of expressions, like the movement of an eyeball, or the quiver in the voice is perfect. Darling, I did the film just for my love for you,” said Sukumar, who revealed that when he approached Allu Arjun for Pushpa, he only had a handful of scenes and idea about the character.

ALSO READ | Pushpa 2 advance booking: Allu Arjun film sells almost 12 lakh tickets; trumps Baahubali, KGF 2 and RRR to sell fastest 1 million tickets

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“When I came to do this film with you, I didn’t have a story. It is on your trust, your energy, and how you responded to each scene that helped develop Pushpa. I knew I can do anything for this man,” said the filmmaker, who was effusive in his praise for the National award-winning actor. “Honestly, cinema is my world, and to see someone giving it his all to elevate my world is special. In fact, I believe Allu Arjun creates an elevated platform for all his films, and ensures he takes his cast and crew along with him to work on that level. I repeat, it is my pure love for you. This is not about cinema. This is not about writing. Pushpa is just my love for you.”

Reacting to the audience’s cheers about Pushpa 3, Sukumar pointed out that it was magnanimous of Allu Arjun to spend over three years to his vision. “I’m sorry Arjun that I took three years of your prime time. But yeah, if he is ready to give me that time again, then why not?” said Sukumar giving a mixed response to the possibility of a third part.

Pushpa 2 Cast and Crew

With songs and background score by Devi Sri Prasad, and additional background score by Sam CS, the film stars Rashmika Mandanna, Fahadh Faasil, Anasuya Bhardwaj, Sreeleela, Sunil, Ajay Ghosh, and Dhananjaya in pivotal roles.

Pushpa 2 Budget

Made over a budget of Rs 4o0 crore, Pushpa 2: The Rule is billed as one of the most expensive Indian films, and is expected to break various box-office records upon release. The makers are confident that the movie would become this year’s second entry into the Rs 1000 crore club after Kalki 2898 AD.

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ALSO READ | Pushpa 2 Movie: Release date, tickets price, advance booking, box office collection prediction, other details

Pushpa 2 Release Date

The much-awaited second installment of Pushpa is set to hit the screens worldwide on December 5. However, there are paid previews scheduled on December 4 in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.

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