Pushpa 2: The Rule, starring Allu Arjun and Rashmika Mandanna, has stormed its way into the record books, becoming the third-highest-grossing film in Indian cinema history with global earnings surpassing Rs 1500 crore. However, the blockbuster’s success has not been without controversy. The song “Peelings,” featuring suggestive dance moves by the lead actors, has sparked objections from some sections of the audience.
In a recent interview with Galatta Plus, Rashmika Mandanna shared her candid thoughts on the song, revealing her initial surprise at the choreography. “It came as a surprise because the second we saw the rehearsal video, I was like, ‘What in the world is going on?’ Majority of the time I thought I was dancing on Allu Arjun sir,” she said.
Rashmika admitted that shooting for “Peelings” was not an easy decision for her. “I have a phobia of being lifted, and here is the song where I am only being lifted. I wasn’t very comfortable initially,” she said. However, her trust in director Sukumar and co-star Allu Arjun helped her push through. “Once you trust the man, it becomes fun,” she added.
On playing a bold character, Rashmika explained her perspective as an actor: “If I did doubt myself, it would be impossible to be an actor. I know I am here to entertain and please my director. This is my bread and butter. If I start overthinking, I’ll typecast myself, and I don’t want that.”
The actress acknowledged the polarized reactions to the song and her role. “People can dislike it, but not everything is everybody’s cup of tea. I like to challenge myself and choose diverse roles, whether it’s Animal, Chhava, or Sikandar. I can do everything from running around trees to playing Srivalli in Pushpa.”
The grand premiere of Pushpa 2 in Hyderabad turned tragic after a stampede broke out at Sandhya Theatre when fans thronged the venue to catch a glimpse of Allu Arjun and Rashmika Mandanna. The incident resulted in the death of a woman and left her 9-year-old son critically injured.
Despite the controversies and tragic incidents, Pushpa 2 continues to make waves, solidifying its place in Indian cinema history. Directed by Sukumar, the film marks yet another milestone for its stars, with Allu Arjun’s portrayal of Pushpa Raj and Rashmika Mandanna’s Srivalli garnering praise alongside global box office success.
