Pushpa 2: The Rule Breaks Records With Rs 100 Crore Advance Booking, Sells 31 Lakh Tickets In India

Pushpa 2: The Rule, the highly anticipated sequel to the 2021 blockbuster Pushpa: The Rise, has created a buzz ahead of its release on December 5, 2024. Allu Arjun's action-packed drama, directed by Sukumar, has already made a significant mark, achieving a major milestone even before hitting the big screens. With an estimated Rs 100 crore in advance bookings, Pushpa 2 has officially entered the elite club of films that have earned over Rs 100 crore on their opening day.

Pushpa 2's Advance Booking
The excitement surrounding Pushpa 2: The Rule has translated into impressive advance booking numbers, reflecting the film's immense popularity. As of Wednesday evening, December 4, the film's gross collections crossed Rs 125 crore, including blocked seats. According to Koimoi, the movie grossed Rs 73 crore in India, with Rs 35 crore from the United States.

In India alone, Pushpa 2 sold approximately 31,76,479 tickets for its first-day shows, contributing to a total of Rs 91.24 crore without blocked seats. After factoring in blocked seats, the total advance booking collection for the film surged to Rs 105.67 crore, making it one of the highest ever for a South Indian film. This success has propelled Pushpa 2 ahead of previous record-holders like KGF 2, Baahubali 2, and Kalki 2898 AD, as it became the fastest movie to sell 1 million tickets on BookMyShow.

Ticket Price Hike Boosts Collections
Adding further fuel to the film's commercial prospects, the governments of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana approved a ticket price hike for Pushpa 2: The Rule. This price increase, which applies to the first 13 days of the film's run, is expected to boost the movie's box office earnings. The decision has garnered attention, especially since the film is already breaking records with its advance booking, and the increased prices will likely contribute even more to its profitability.

In Andhra Pradesh, the price hike applies to premier shows and other screenings, giving the movie an advantage in its opening days. This is expected to push the film's collection even higher, especially considering the massive fan base Allu Arjun commands in the region.

Public Reactions and Early Reviews
Social media has been abuzz with reactions from early viewers who have shared their thoughts on Pushpa 2: The Rule. Many fans have lauded Allu Arjun's performance, with some even calling it his career-best. His portrayal of the gritty and determined Pushpa Raj continues to captivate audiences.

However, not all reactions have been overwhelmingly positive. Some viewers have pointed out flaws in the film's second half, particularly criticizing the dominance of action sequences and songs over the writing. "#Pushpa2 has a great first half with the right mix of entertainment and elevations. But the 2nd half is not as great, with back-to-back action blocks and songs dominating the writing. AA's performance is sensational, and the movie is worth watching for him," shared one user on X (formerly Twitter).

Others echoed similar sentiments, describing the film as a "decent one-time watch" with a strong first half, but noted that it "goes flat in the last 30 minutes" and ends with an "unnecessary cliffhanger."

A Sequel with High Expectations
Pushpa 2: The Rule follows the continuing rise of Pushpa Raj in the red sandalwood smuggling world, as he faces new challenges and adversaries. The movie has an ensemble cast, including Rashmika Mandanna as Srivalli and Fahadh Faasil as the relentless antagonist, SP Bhanwar Singh Shekhawat. The film's production, backed by a Rs 500 crore budget, promises a high-octane cinematic experience, amplified by a strong musical score from Devi Sri Prasad, with contributions from Thaman and Sam CS.

Directed by Sukumar, the sequel has been years in the making, with extended shooting schedules reflecting the director's approach to the project. With multiple language releases, including Telugu, Tamil, Hindi, Kannada, and Malayalam, the film is set to cater to a wide audience across India and internationally.