Archive · 1 Sep 2026
Allu Arjun Calls Pushpa 2 Woman Role His Most Alpha
Allu Arjun is an actor in the movie Pushpa 2.
In one important scene, he dresses as a woman for the Gangamma Jathara ritual.
He wears a sari, jewellery, makeup and blue paint.
The ritual is connected to worshipping Gangamma Thalli in the Tirupati region.
Arjun said he was scared when the idea was first suggested.
Later, he and director Sukumar believed the scene could become special for the film.
They wanted him to look strong even while wearing a sari.
Arjun also said movies need great stories and that pressure from the box office can be a privilege.
His next reported film is Raaka, a science-fiction project expected in December 2027.
Allu Arjun called portraying a woman in Pushpa 2 the “most alpha” thing he has done.
He appears in a sari, jewellery, makeup and blue body paint during the Gangamma Jathara sequence.
The ritual is associated with Gangamma Thalli worship in the Tirupati region and traditionally involves men dressing as women.
Arjun said he initially felt afraid but later viewed the challenging role as a potential unique selling point for the film.
He said average content no longer succeeds, called box-office pressure a privilege, and is preparing for Atlee’s sci-fi film Raaka.
- Who
- Actor Allu Arjun, director Sukumar and the Pushpa 2 filmmaking team.
- What
- Allu Arjun discussed portraying a woman in Pushpa 2, his views on film content and box-office pressure, and his next project, Raaka.
- When
- The comments were made during a Forbes India conversation for its Showstoppers 2026 edition; an earlier account came from The Hollywood Reporter India. Raaka is expected in December 2027.
- Where
- The appearance takes place in the film’s Gangamma Jathara sequence, associated with the Tirupati region.
- Why
- The portrayal is part of the film’s narrative and a ritual sequence that Arjun said became a major acting challenge and potential unique selling point.
- Film discussed
- Pushpa 2: The Rule
- Character appearance
- Allu Arjun wears a sari, traditional jewellery, elaborate makeup and blue body paint.
- Cultural setting
- Gangamma Jathara, associated with worship of Gangamma Thalli in the Tirupati region.
- Arjun’s reaction
- He initially felt afraid of the role before exploring and accepting the idea.
- Arjun’s view on content
- He said average content does not succeed anymore and that films must deliver great content.
- Arjun’s view on pressure
- He described box-office pressure as both a privilege and a blessing.
- Next project
- Raaka, a science-fiction film directed by Atlee and produced by Kalanithi Maran under Sun Pictures; reports name Deepika Padukone, while one report also mentions Rashmika Mandanna.
