Sukumar credits SS Rajamouli for Pushpa PAN India Release

SS Rajamouli's work with the Baahubali films marks a significant turning point in Indian cinema. His success unlocked the doors to the pan-Indian phenomenon, reshaping the industry entirely. Today, actors don't just aspire to be superstars in their own industries—they aim to be pan-Indian superstars. But Rajamouli’s impact goes beyond this shift; he united audiences with vastly different sensibilities, demonstrating that language need not be a barrier. This newfound confidence has inspired many filmmakers to venture into the pan-Indian space. One of the most successful stories of the post-Baahubali era is undoubtedly Pushpa 2: The Rule.

At a recent event celebrating the film’s overwhelming success, director Sukumar credited Rajamouli’s influence on Pushpa's journey. Opening his speech with gratitude, Sukumar shared, “He was the one who encouraged me to release the first part of Pushpa in Hindi. Rajamouli personally facilitated the release by connecting with distributors and ensuring a wide reach.” Sukumar also revealed how Rajamouli dispelled his doubts about Pushpa's pan-Indian potential. “When I told him I didn’t think my film was suited for pan-India, he simply told me that it’s the release that defines its pan-India status. He pointed out that if I release the film across India, it becomes a pan-India film. Otherwise, it’s just a Telugu film,” said Sukumar, director of Rangasthalam.