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Sukumar’s directorial Pushpa: The Rise was a huge box office hit. Released in 2021 amid the COVID pandemic, the film managed to create a huge buzz among the audience and fans. Following the huge success of the film, the makers will drop the sequel of the film in theatres on 15 August 2024. However, did you know that before Allu Arjun, Sukumar approached Telugu superstar Mahesh Babu to play the role of “Pushpa” in the film?
Yes, you read that right, well apparently before Allu Arjun, director Sukumar initially wanted to cast Telugu superstar Mahesh Babu in the lead role as “Pushpa” in the action-drama. Both Sukumar and Mahesh Babu had earlier worked together in the 2014 film Nenokkadine.
However, things didn’t work out between the two. Following the same Mahesh Babu announced and revealed that he wasn’t doing Pushpa. Revealing the reason for rejecting Pushpa: The Rise, he wrote on X, “Due to creative differences, my film with Sukumar is not happening. I wish him all the best on the announcement of his new project. Respect always for a film maker par exellence. 1 Nenokkadine will remain as a cult classic. Enjoyed every moment working on that film.”
Pushpa Box Office Collection
Meanwhile, Pushpa: The Rise was a huge commercial success. The film grossed ₹360 crore-₹373 crore at the box office and became the highest-grossing Indian film of 2021. The film also ranks among the highest-grossing Telugu films of all time.
About Pushpa 2: The Rule
Sukumar’s directorial Pushpa: The Rise was a blockbuster hit. The storyline of the second installment of the film will be the continuation of the first part. The second part will feature Allu Arjun, Fahadh Faasil, and Rashmika Mandanna in the lead roles. The film will be released on 15 August 2024.
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