The much-anticipated Pushpa 2: The Rule, sequel to the 2021 blockbuster movie Pushpa: The Rise, is already making waves ahead of its release on December 5, 2024. Directed by Sukumar and starring Allu Arjun, the action-packed drama has shattered records with its advance bookings, signaling its potential as a massive box-office hit. The film, which continues the saga of Pushpa Raj, has crossed major milestones even before its theatrical debut.
Record-Breaking Advance Bookings of Pushpa 2
The buzz around Pushpa 2 has translated into astounding advance booking numbers, placing it among the top films in Indian cinema history. As of December 4, the movie grossed over ₹125 crore globally in advance sales, including ₹73 crore from India and ₹35 crore from the United States. In India alone, approximately 31.76 lakh tickets were sold for first-day shows, contributing ₹91.24 crore. Including blocked seats, the total climbed to ₹105.67 crore, setting a new benchmark for South Indian films. These figures surpass earlier record-holders like KGF 2, Baahubali 2, and Kalki 2898 AD. Notably, Pushpa 2 also became the fastest movie to sell over 1 million tickets on BookMyShow.
Ticket Price Hike Boosts Earnings
Adding to the film’s robust commercial prospects, the governments of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana approved a hike in ticket prices for the first 13 days of Pushpa 2. This move, covering premiere shows and regular screenings, is expected to significantly enhance box-office earnings. The price hike capitalizes on Allu Arjun’s massive fan base in the region and reflects the movie’s unprecedented demand. Industry experts believe this measure will further boost the film’s profitability during its opening run.
Early Reactions and Public Buzz
Social media platforms are abuzz with fan reactions and early reviews of Pushpa 2: The Rule. Many viewers have praised Allu Arjun’s performance, with some calling it his career-best. His portrayal of Pushpa Raj—a character defined by grit and determination—continues to resonate with audiences. Fans have also lauded the film’s first half for its blend of entertainment and elevated moments.
However, not all feedback has been unanimously positive. Some viewers expressed reservations about the film’s second half, particularly criticizing the dominance of action sequences and songs over the storytelling. A user on X (formerly Twitter) commented, “#Pushpa2 has a great first half with the right mix of entertainment and elevations. But the second half isn’t as impactful, with back-to-back action blocks and songs dominating the writing. Allu Arjun’s performance, though, is sensational.”
Others described the movie as a “decent one-time watch,” noting that it becomes somewhat flat in its final 30 minutes and concludes with what they deemed an “unnecessary cliffhanger.”
Looking Ahead
Despite some mixed reviews, the anticipation for Pushpa 2 remains sky-high. With Allu Arjun’s exceptional performance, a strong first half, and massive advance booking collections, the movie is poised to make a remarkable impact at the box office. Fans eagerly await its full release, which promises to deliver a blend of high-octane action, drama, and the charisma of its lead star.