After the blockbuster success of “Pushpa: The Rise,” the creators granted Sukumar and Allu Arjun creative freedom for “Pushpa 2: The Rule.” Both also increased their fees and will share the profits post-release, in addition to their remunerations. Sukumar, known for making frequent changes and extending production timelines, has done the same for the sequel. Unfortunately, this has resulted in significant budget waste on the sets. Several actors, including Rao Ramesh and Sunil, received substantial pay without even filming a single scene, and Allu Arjun himself returned home without facing the camera for two weeks.
Two massive sets built at Ramoji Film City have incurred rent costs for over a year and a half, even though no scenes have been shot there. Anticipating potential reshoots, the production team continues to pay monthly rents. Additionally, hundreds of junior artists are employed daily, further inflating the budget. Lavish spending on sets and high remunerations have also contributed to the cost increase. Devi Sri Prasad doubled his fee, and Rashmika charged a hefty amount due to her commitment to bulk dates for the film. The working days for “Pushpa 2: The Rule” have nearly doubled compared to the first film.
Despite these expenses, the film is highly anticipated and is expected to recover its investment before release. However, much of the budget could have been saved with better planning and a finalized script. Sukumar and Allu Arjun are set to team up again for “Pushpa 3,” which may release in 2026