Allu Arjun’s highly anticipated sequel, Pushpa 2: The Rule, has taken the entertainment world by storm following its theatrical release on December 5, 2024, and its recent debut on Netflix on January 30, 2025. This blockbuster has not only shattered box office records but has also sparked vibrant discussions among fans and critics alike.
Since its release, Pushpa 2 has raked in over ₹1831 crore globally, confirming its place as one of the highest-grossing Indian films of all time. The film, directed by Sukumar, showcased the stellar performance of Allu Arjun, alongside talented co-stars Rashmika Mandanna and Fahadh Faasil. Both the theatrical and OTT versions have seen massive viewership, with the latter adding 23 minutes of extra footage to captivate audiences.
The film’s success is remarkable, especially the reloaded version’s contribution to the Hindi-dubbed version's earnings, which has propelled the film forward. The buzz surrounding its OTT release has emphasized how this sequel continues to break boundaries and norms within the Indian film industry.
Social media has been abuzz with fans expressing their excitement about the film, particularly the action-packed climax where Allu Arjun’s character fights off goons with remarkable flair. One viewer noted, “The climax scene where Allu Arjun is tied up and fights off the goons has gone viral.” This pivotal moment has led to countless fan edits and discussions online.
Nevertheless, not all reactions have been warm. While many praise the film’s thrilling sequences and cinematography, others have taken to platforms like Reddit and X (formerly Twitter) to critique certain elements, particularly the infamous ‘rappa rappa’ scene. One Reddit user humorously quipped, “Is this supposed to be a mass heroic scene or a comedy scene?” This sentiment was echoed by another who joked, “Men feel sad. Men opened Netflix. Men watched Rappa Rappa scene. Men uninstalled Netflix.”
Critics highlighted the exaggerated physics and action during this sequence, describing it as overly dramatic. “I couldn’t stop laughing when he straight up launches himself…” commented another user perplexed by the scene’s absurdity. This mix of admiration and critique serves as one of the film's more polarizing aspects. While the film has achieved monumental success at the box office, it appears some viewers have left perplexed by certain stylistic choices.
A box office report suggests Pushpa 2 garnered ₹1469.95 crore from Indian markets alone, with international collections reaching ₹271 crore. Despite some downturns post-OTT release—where collections dropped by about 39.69 percent—the impressive numbers reflect the film's undeniable impact on audiences. Sukumar's directorial marvel also marks itself as the first Indian film to cross the ₹1831 crore collection milestone within its lifetime.
With its theatrical run nearing its conclusion, the anticipation has now shifted toward future installments. Reports suggest Pushpa 3: The Rampage might already be on the horizon, but little has been confirmed from the film’s team aside from music composer Devi Sri Prasad's commentary. The overall enthusiasm fosters speculation about the potential directions the franchise might take.
Despite the mix of responses particularly surrounding the ‘rappa rappa’ scene, one cannot deny the film’s contribution to the success of Indian cinema on both national and international platforms. The buzz and subsequent social phenomenon surrounding the film allow it to maintain relevance far beyond its theatrical run.
Pushpa 2: The Rule has proven to be more than just another film; it is becoming integral to cinematic discussions and perspectives within viewers both online and off. While some scenes might divide opinion, the film's overall significance cannot be understated.