Release and Box Office Performance

The film hit theaters on December 5, 2024, in multiple formats like IMAX and 4DX, available in Telugu, Hindi, Tamil, Kannada, Bengali, and Malayalam. It grossed an impressive ₹1,742.1 crore worldwide, with ₹1,234.1 crore net in India and ₹271 crore overseas, as reported by Sacnilk. It crossed ₹1,000 crore in nine days, becoming the fastest Indian film to do so, and ranks third among the highest-grossing Indian films, behind “Baahubali 2” and “Dangal.” It sold around 6.30 crore tickets in India, the highest since “Baahubali 2,” with strong performance in regions like Bihar and Maharashtra, boosted by higher ticket prices.

Cast and Crew Highlights

The film stars Allu Arjun as Pushpa Raj, Rashmika Mandanna as Srivalli, and Fahadh Faasil as Bhanwar Singh Shekhawat, with Sree Leela making a special appearance in the song “KISSIK.” Directed by Sukumar, it features music by Devi Sri Prasad, cinematography by Miroslaw Kuba Brozek, and editing by Naveen Nooli, with a budget of ₹400–500 crore, making it one of India’s most expensive films.

Comprehensive Update on Pushpa 2: The Rule

As of March 21, 2025, “Pushpa 2: The Rule,” the sequel to the 2021 hit “Pushpa: The Rise,” has solidified its place in Indian cinema history with its release on December 5, 2024. This report provides a detailed update on the film’s journey, performance, and future prospects, expanding on initial reports and incorporating the latest information from trusted sources.

Release and Box Office Performance

The film was released on December 5, 2024, in standard, IMAX, 4DX, D-Box, and ICE formats, available in Telugu, Hindi, Tamil, Kannada, Bengali, and Malayalam languages. Initially slated for August 15, 2024, and later December 6, 2024, the date was finalized as December 5 to avoid clashing with other releases like the Hindi film ‘Chhava.’ It was screened on over 12,000 screens worldwide, with 6,500 in India, including 4,500 for the Hindi version, marking the biggest release for a dubbed film.

The box office performance has been staggering, with a worldwide gross of ₹1,742.1 crore, including ₹1,234.1 crore net in India and ₹271 crore overseas, as reported by Sacnilk. It crossed ₹1,100 crore in just nine days and became the third highest-grossing Indian film, behind “Baahubali 2” and “Dangal.” It sold approximately 6.30 crore tickets in India, the highest since “Baahubali 2,” and set records in regions like Bihar, Maharashtra, MP, and Chattisgarh, with higher ticket prices contributing to its success.

Advance bookings were a frenzy, with prices reaching ₹1,800 in Delhi, ₹1,600 in Mumbai, and ₹1,000 in Bengaluru, reflecting high demand. The film also saw pre-sales of ₹25.57 crore, breaking records with over 1 million tickets sold on BookMyShow, surpassing previous records set by “Kalki 2898 AD,” “Baahubali 2,” and “KGF 2.”

Cast and Crew

“Pushpa 2: The Rule” brought back the iconic cast, with Allu Arjun reprising his role as Pushpa Raj, known for his swag and style, Rashmika Mandanna as Srivalli, adding charm and emotion, and Fahadh Faasil as Bhanwar Singh Shekhawat, the ruthless cop. Adding to the excitement, Sree Leela made a special appearance, shining in the electrifying “KISSIK” song, which took the internet by storm with its lyrical video showcasing her dance moves alongside Allu Arjun. The music, composed by Devi Sri Prasad, was spectacular, further building anticipation.

Directed and written by Sukumar, the film boasted a stellar crew:

• Music: Devi Sri Prasad, delivering chart-topping songs like “KISSIK.”
• Cinematography: Miroslaw Kuba Brozek, capturing the film’s grand visuals.
• Editing: Naveen Nooli, ensuring a seamless 200-minute runtime.

Shot with a jaw-dropping budget of ₹400–500 crore, “Pushpa 2: The Rule” is among the most expensive Indian films ever produced, released in Telugu with dubbed versions in Hindi, Tamil, Malayalam, and Kannada.

Critical and Audience Reception

Critical reception has been mixed, with a focus on the film’s action and performances. Allu Arjun’s portrayal was lauded, with Rotten Tomatoes noting, “Arjun breathes life and purpose into a cartoonish character, traversing degrees of derangement with ease.” However, some reviews, including on IMDb with a 6.1/10 rating, criticized the storyline for lacking depth, with scenes like a 10-minute dream sequence in Japan seen as unnecessary. The narrative blends action, drama, romance, and humor, catering to its target audience but sometimes feeling overstuffed.

Audience response has been overwhelmingly positive, especially given its box office numbers, with fans appreciating the extended universe and Allu Arjun’s charisma. The Hindi dubbed version also received a UA16+ rating after edits, ensuring broader accessibility.

Special Screenings and Events

The pre-release buzz was palpable, with a special screening in Telangana on December 4, 2024, at 9:30 PM across select theatres, with ticket prices hiked by ₹800 due to unprecedented demand. To cater to fans, theatres in Telangana planned extra screenings at 1:00 AM and 4:00 AM on the release day, ensuring no one missed out. Promotional activities included events in Patna, Kolkata, Chennai, Kochi, Bengaluru, Mumbai, and Hyderabad, with a success meet held on February 9, 2025, in Hyderabad, celebrating its achievements.

OTT Release and Extended Content

The “Reloaded” version, announced on January 27, 2025, via Netflix India’s X post (Netflix India), was released on January 30, 2025, adding 23 minutes of footage to address criticisms of the theatrical cut. This extended the runtime from 3 hours and 20 minutes to 3 hours and 44 minutes, focusing on character development and narrative depth, particularly for Pushpa Raj. It’s available in Telugu, Tamil, Malayalam, and Kannada, with the Hindi version added later due to demand, impacting theatrical runs as it entered its 60th day.

Awards and Nominations

The film’s makers, Mythri Movie Makers, aimed for international recognition, campaigning for the 97th Academy Awards held on March 2, 2025, with plans for screenings and press events in the USA, inspired by “RRR”’s 2023 Oscar campaign. However, it did not receive nominations, with winners including “Anora” for Best Picture. For Indian awards, the 70th Filmfare Awards South and 13th SIIMA Awards, expected in mid-2025, have not announced results yet, given their typical timing for 2024 films. Allu Arjun’s previous National Film Award for “Pushpa: The Rise” adds to the anticipation for potential wins.

Future Developments and Franchise Expansion

The franchise’s future is bright, with “Pushpa 3: The Rampage” confirmed. The title was accidentally revealed by sound designer Resul Pookutty in a deleted X post (Resul Pookutty), and Allu Arjun confirmed at the Berlin Film Festival 2024, stating, “You can definitely expect part three. We do want to make it a franchise, and we have exciting ideas for the lineup.” Production is slated to start in 2028 or 2029, with a release targeted for 2028, as Allu Arjun will work on projects with Atlee and Trivikram, and Sukumar on a film with Ram Charan Teja. The cliffhanger ending of “Pushpa 2” sets the stage for an action-packed continuation.

Conclusion

“Pushpa 2: The Rule” has redefined success in Indian cinema, with its box office dominance, mixed but impactful critical reception, and expanded reach via OTT. While it missed international awards, its commercial achievements and the confirmed “Pushpa 3” ensure its legacy. Fans can revisit the “Reloaded” version on Netflix and look forward to the franchise’s next chapter in 2028.