Tollywood: The excitement for Allu Arjun’s upcoming movie Pushpa 2 is palpable as the release date of December 6, 2024, approaches. Originally set to hit theaters on August 15, 2024, the film’s release was delayed due to incomplete work. Now, with just three months left, the makers are racing against time to finalize the film. While the production is almost complete, a surprising issue has emerged: Allu Arjun’s beard has become a major problem, costing the makers a staggering ₹40 lakh.
The Story So Far
Pushpa 2: The Rule is the much-anticipated sequel to the 2021 blockbuster Pushpa: The Rise. The first film ended with Allu Arjun’s character, Pushparaj, marrying Rashmika Mandanna’s character, and taking revenge on Fahadh Fazil’s character, a corrupt cop. The sequel is set to bring even more challenges for Pushparaj, with fans eagerly awaiting the intense confrontations and action-packed sequences.
Why Allu Arjun’s Beard Became a Problem
The buzz around Pushpa 2 took an unexpected turn when rumors of a rift between Allu Arjun and director Sukumar surfaced. These rumors intensified when Allu Arjun took a break from shooting, leading to speculation among fans. Although his manager assured everyone that everything was fine, things got complicated when Allu Arjun returned from vacation with a trimmed beard, sparking concerns among the filmmakers.
The issue arose because Allu Arjun’s character, Pushparaj, sports a thick beard throughout the movie. The sudden change in his appearance meant that the continuity of the character’s look was at risk. To maintain consistency, the filmmakers decided to create an artificial beard for Allu Arjun, which has become a costly affair.
A ₹40 Lakh Beard
To address the beard issue, the production team brought in makeup technicians from Mumbai, who crafted a high-quality artificial beard for Allu Arjun. The cost of this beard is a whopping ₹40 lakh. Additionally, a top makeup artist from Mumbai was hired to ensure that Allu Arjun’s look remains flawless on screen. This unexpected expense has added to the overall budget of Pushpa 2, which is already estimated at ₹500 crore.
Budget Challenges and Rising Costs
The budget of Pushpa 2 has reportedly increased beyond the initial estimate due to extended working days and the delayed release. While the film’s budget was already significant, these additional costs have put pressure on the producers. Despite these challenges, the makers are committed to delivering a high-quality film that lives up to the expectations of fans.
As the release date nears, the excitement for Pushpa 2 continues to build, with fans eagerly awaiting to see Allu Arjun in his iconic role. The buzz surrounding the film, combined with the anticipation of the intense storyline, ensures that Pushpa 2 will be one of the most talked-about releases of the year.