Three years ago, on December 17, 2021, Indian cinema witnessed a turning point with the release of Pushpa: The Rise, a film that became a global phenomenon and an enduring symbol of pride for Indian cinema.

Starring Allu Arjun in his career-defining role as Pushpa Raj, the film broke language barriers, releasing across multiple languages—Telugu, Hindi, Tamil, Malayalam, and Kannada—reaching audiences far beyond regional cinema. From its bold storytelling about the red sandalwood smuggling syndicate to Arjun’s charismatic performance, Pushpa resonated strongly with viewers and went on to dominate box offices both in India and globally.

What made Pushpa special was its cultural impact—the iconic dialogue “Jhukegaa Naahi” and Allu Arjun’s powerful screen presence became widely celebrated, making their way into global pop culture. The music by Devi Sri Prasad, particularly songs like Srivalli and Oo Antava, further amplified the film’s reach, with the tracks going viral on social media platforms worldwide.

In its first few weeks, Pushpa: The Rise smashed records, grossing over ₹350 crores worldwide, including an exceptional run in the Hindi-speaking belt—a feat rarely achieved by South Indian films at the time. The movie not only solidified Allu Arjun’s position as a pan-Indian star but also showcased the strength of Telugu cinema on the global stage.

As fans celebrate this milestone, anticipation is at an all-time high for the upcoming sequel, Pushpa: The Rule. The follow-up promises to take the story to even greater heights, with Allu Arjun reprising his role and the makers teasing a grander cinematic experience.

Three years since Pushpa’s rise, its legacy remains unparalleled, marking a significant chapter in Indian cinema’s journey to worldwide acclaim.