- By Ridhi Suri
- Tue, 07 May 2024 10:26 AM (IST)
- Source:JND
Pushpa: The Rise, a 2021 Telugu-language action drama film directed by Sukumar and produced by Mythri Movie Makers, features Allu Arjun in the lead role, with Fahadh Faasil making his Telugu debut. The cast also includes Rashmika Mandanna, Jagadeesh Prathap Bandari, Sunil, Raj Tirandasu, Rao Ramesh, and Dhananjaya. Now, Fahadh, who portrayed SP Bhanwar Singh Shekawat, made a surprising statement about the film, suggesting that it didn't significantly impact his career.
As the inaugural chapter of the Pushpa film series, the narrative centers on Pushpa Raj, a labourer who rises within the illegal red sandalwood smuggling trade, prevalent in the Seshachalam Hills of Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh. In a recent interview, Fahadh Faasil was questioned about the impact of 'Pushpa: The Rise' on his journey toward becoming a pan-Indian star. He responded negatively, suggesting that the film didn't significantly contribute to his career advancement.
Fahadh Faasil told Film Companion, "No, I don’t think Pushpa did anything for me. I tell Sukumar sir that. I don’t have to hide it. I have to be honest. I am doing my stuff here. No disrespect to anything. People expect magic from me after Pushpa… no. It’s pure collaboration and love for Sukumar Sir. My stuff is here (Malayalam cinema). Very clearly, my stuff is here. That’s one. So, that is very exciting. For me, I don’t believe that Pushpa would change me or it would take me to another… No, I don’t believe that."
The Aavesham actor emphasised that he doesn't consider himself a pan-Indian actor, highlighting the paramount importance of his films' box office success. "No. I am just an actor here. I have nothing to do with pan-India and whatever. I just do things that I believe in. The film should do business, that’s secondary. But the film that I do here… I mean I can never do it anywhere else. I can easily set up a film in Tamil, but everything will fall into place except the idea. I assume that will be the case in Hindi as well," he said.
About Pushpa 2
At present, the final phase of filming for Pushpa 2 is in progress. It is an upcoming Indian Telugu-language action drama, helmed and scripted by Sukumar under his Sukumar Writings banner. Produced by Naveen Yerneni and Yalamanchili Ravi Shankar for Mythri Movie Makers. Serving as the sequel to 'Pushpa: The Rise,' it is scheduled for release on August 15, 2024, coinciding with India's Independence Day. Additionally, there are speculations of Samantha Ruth Prabhu making a cameo appearance in Pushpa 2: The Rule. Moreover, Sanjay Dutt is expected to make a special appearance in the movie.