The highly anticipated release of Allu Arjun’s *Pushpa 2: The Rule* has taken an unexpected turn. Just days before the film hits theaters on December 5th, the Telugu superstar finds himself embroiled in controversy following a police complaint filed against him. The complaint, lodged at the Jawahar Police Station in Hyderabad by a man named Srinivas Goud, objects to Arjun’s use of the term ‘army’ to describe his fan base. A video of the complaint, circulating online via Aadhan Telugu, shows Srinivas Goud expressing his concern. He argues that the term ‘army’ is associated with the honorable Indian armed forces, and its appropriation for a fan base is disrespectful and inappropriate. He suggests that Allu Arjun could have used several alternative terms to express his appreciation for his followers.
The controversy stems from Arjun’s recent promotional activities for *Pushpa 2* in Mumbai. During the event, the actor stated, “I don’t have fans; I have an army. I love my fans; they’re like my family. They stand by me; they celebrate me. They stand for me like an army. I love you all; I will make you proud. If this film becomes a big hit, I will dedicate it to all my fans.” While intended as a heartfelt expression of gratitude, his choice of words has sparked a significant backlash. The complainant’s perspective highlights the importance of respectful language and the potential for misinterpretations, particularly when using terms with strong national connotations.
Despite this controversy, the excitement surrounding *Pushpa 2: The Rule* remains palpable. The film, a sequel to the 2021 blockbuster *Pushpa: The Rise*, sees Arjun reprise his role as Pushpa Raj, the red sandal smuggler. He stars alongside Rashmika Mandanna as his wife, Srivalli, and Fahadh Faasil as the antagonist, police officer Bhanwar Singh Shekawat. The sequel is anticipated to continue the thrilling narrative from the first film, focusing on the escalating rivalry between Pushpa and Bhanwar. The anticipation is so high that advance booking for the film, which opened at midnight on December 1st, has already surpassed the sales of previous box office behemoths like *Pathaan*, *Gadar 2*, and *KGF Chapter 2*, setting the stage for a potentially record-breaking opening weekend.
However, the controversy surrounding Arjun’s comments adds a fascinating layer of complexity to the film’s launch. The incident raises important questions about the language used by celebrities when addressing their fans and the potential consequences of such expressions. Will this controversy impact the film’s box office performance? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: *Pushpa 2: The Rule* is undoubtedly generating considerable buzz, both positive and negative, in the lead up to its highly anticipated release.
