The Pushpa franchise, featuring Allu Arjun and Rashmika Mandanna, has become a cultural and box-office sensation. Released on December 5, Pushpa 2: The Rule, directed by Sukumar, has continued to dominate conversations and ticket sales. However, fans might be surprised to learn that the Pushpa films were initially conceptualized as a Netflix web series.
In a 2022 interview, Fahadh Faasil, who plays the formidable SP Bhanwar Singh Shekhawat in the series, revealed intriguing details about the project’s inception. “Initially, there was no Pushpa 1 or Pushpa 2—just one Pushpa film,” Fahadh shared. He explained that his character was supposed to be introduced after the interval in a single movie.
The story of Pushpa evolved as Sukumar realized the scope of the narrative. Fahadh mentioned that Sukumar initially envisioned Pushpa as a Netflix web series focused on red sandalwood smuggling, a concept backed by extensive research material. “There was so much content that Sukku sir thought of splitting it into multiple parts,” Fahadh said.
The decision to split Pushpa into two films allowed for a richer exploration of its characters and storyline. Pushpa: The Rise (2021) introduced audiences to the rugged world of Pushpa Raj, played by Allu Arjun, and the murky red sandalwood smuggling trade. Pushpa 2: The Rule picks up the story, expanding the narrative with heightened drama and intense rivalries.
Fahadh also hinted at the possibility of a third installment, Pushpa 3. “Even when I met him [Sukumar] recently, he said there was scope for Part 3,” Fahadh revealed, leaving fans excited about what might come next.
This was interesting!
