‘Pushpa 2’ Sees Massive Box Office Surge After Allu Arjun’s Arrest. The billion-dollar question: Is it a PR masterstroke or just a coincidence?
Allu Arjun’s action-packed sequel Pushpa 2 has witnessed a staggering 70% increase in its Box Office collections following the South-Indian superstar’s controversial arrest over the weekend. The film has experienced a 74% rise in domestic earnings and a significant global boost, with ticket sales increasing by 70% since Arjun’s brief detention.
Arrest Sparks Speculation
Allu Arjun was taken into custody by the Chikkadapally police in Hyderabad on Friday in connection with a fatal stampede that occurred during the film’s screening at Sandhya Theatre on December 5, the night before its global release. A woman named Revathi tragically lost her life in the incident, and her nine-year-old son, Sri Tej, also fell unconscious. The actor was later granted interim bail on Saturday.
Despite the tragic event surrounding the arrest, Pushpa 2 has grossed over INR 1200 crores in worldwide ticket sales, leading fans and social media users to question whether the arrest was orchestrated as a publicity stunt to boost the film’s Box Office numbers.
Netizens React to ‘Mission Jail’ Success
Social media users were quick to connect the dots, with one commenting, “Isiliye to ye sab natak huva tha andaja 100% sale badhane ka tha (All this drama was to increase sales by 100%).” Others expressed their suspicions, asking, “Kahi yeh arrest wala scene scripted toh nahi na (Was this whole arrest scene scripted as well)?”
One user summed it up by saying, “Mission jail successful.”
Ram Gopal Varma Weighs In
Renowned filmmaker Ram Gopal Varma also weighed in on the arrest, suggesting it was a calculated move by Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy to generate a massive publicity boost for Pushpa 2. On his official social media account, Varma speculated that the arrest was a carefully orchestrated stunt to increase the film’s week 2 collections, with a swift bail designed to maximize Arjun’s popularity and the film’s Box Office performance.
The Controversial Event
The tragic stampede occurred during Arjun’s surprise visit to the theatre for a promotional event. His presence triggered a crowd surge, which led to the fatal incident. However, despite the actor’s heavy security presence, the chaos could not be prevented. Despite the unfortunate event, Arjun’s swift release and the subsequent Box Office success have left many wondering if the arrest was part of a larger PR strategy.
State’s Role and Public Reactions
While Varma praised the state’s involvement in Arjun’s arrest, Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy has denied any involvement in orchestrating the incident. Speaking to the media, Reddy downplayed the significance of the arrest, stating, “He made a movie, it’s minting money, that’s all there is to it.”
Sequel Continues to Shine
Pushpa 2 continues to perform exceptionally well at the Box Office, with Allu Arjun reprising his role as Pushpa Raj. The sequel also stars Fahadh Faasil as the antagonist, SP Bhanwar Singh Shekhawat, and Rashmika Mandanna returning as Srivalli. The film has already grossed INR 1300 crores globally in just 10 days.
The controversy surrounding the arrest has only added fuel to the fire, making Pushpa 2 one of the most talked-about films in recent times. Whether it was a calculated PR move or a tragic accident, one thing is clear—the film’s box office success has skyrocketed in the wake of the arrest, leaving many to speculate about the true motivations behind the scenes.