Bollywood filmmaker Vikramaditya Motwane has called out Allu Arjun’s Pushpa 2: The Rule for its overwhelming dominance at multiplexes, which has left little room for other films. Amid its raging success at the box office, where the film has already grossed over Rs. 650 crores in India alone, Motwane expressed concern about the potential negative impact on smaller films.
Vikramaditya Motwane took to Instagram to share a screenshot of packed bookings for Pushpa 2 at one of the theaters, highlighting the lack of availability for other films like Payal Kapadia’s Golden Globe-nominated “All We Imagine As Light”. He also posted an excerpt from a cineplex owner, claiming that the makers had signed a contract ensuring no other films would be shown during a 10-day window.
“The irony of them being strong-armed after they’ve done the same in the past is just… Either way, this sets a terrible precedent,” Motwane wrote. “Multiplexes cannot and should not be monopolized in this way. If every big film started doing this, it would be disastrous.”
Pushpa 2, starring Rashmika Mandanna, Fahadh Faasil, and Allu Arjun, is the sequel to the 2021 hit “Pushpa: The Rise”. The film’s success has already sparked controversies, including a stampede at Sandhya Cinema during the premiere and threats from Karni Sena over the repeated use of the word ‘Shekhawat’. A third installment, titled “Pushpa 3: The Rampage”, has also been announced, with reports suggesting that Vijay Deverakonda will play the antagonist.
Vikramaditya Motwane’s comments underscore the growing concern over multiplex dominance and its impact on the release and success of other films. As Pushpa 2 continues to dominate the box office, the filmmaker’s critique raises important questions about fair competition and exhibition practices in the Indian film industry.