Released on December 5, 2024, Pushpa 2: The Rule has quickly become a phenomenon, raking in massive numbers at the global box office. The film, starring Allu Arjun as the iconic Pushpa Raj, has exceeded all expectations, emerging as the highest-grossing film post-COVID, and outshining some of the biggest names in Indian cinema.
By December 16, just 12 days after its release, Pushpa 2 had grossed an astonishing ₹1414 crore ($166.8 million) worldwide, surpassing major blockbusters such as RRR and Baahubali 2. This phenomenal success highlights not just the film’s mass appeal but also the evolving tastes and preferences of moviegoers post-pandemic.
Record-Breaking Box Office Performance
As of its second weekend, Pushpa 2 has dominated the box office, crossing ₹1000 crore in India alone. The Hindi version, priced at lower rates, has performed remarkably well, even outstripping its Telugu counterpart. This indicates the growing clout of regional cinema in mainstream Hindi markets, a trend that is becoming more apparent in recent years.
Here’s a quick look at how Pushpa 2 and Kalki 2898 AD (released in the same year) performed at the Indian box office in their second weekend:
| Day/Week | Pushpa 2 (₹ Cr) | Kalki 2898 AD (₹ Cr) |
| Week One | 812 | 468.5 |
| 2nd Friday | 42.25 | 21.5 |
| 2nd Saturday | 71.25 | 38.5 |
| 2nd Sunday | 83 | 47 |
| Total | 1008.5 | 575.5 |
The remarkable rise in Pushpa 2’s second-weekend earnings shows the film’s sustained popularity, especially compared to its competitors. The collection growth is not just a reflection of fan enthusiasm but also the film’s broad appeal across different demographics, both domestically and internationally.
How Pushpa 2 Outperforms Other Blockbusters
What sets Pushpa 2 apart from other major hits like Baahubali 2 or RRR? One significant factor is its cross-regional reach. While Baahubali 2 dominated primarily in South India and RRR showcased a strong pan-India appeal, Pushpa 2 is breaking barriers in global markets, especially in North America. With ₹13.57 crore (US $1.6 million) coming from just the U.S. market, the film has tapped into a lucrative international fanbase, capitalizing on its widespread popularity.
However, despite these overwhelming box office numbers, there’s still a debate over the film’s profitability in some regions. While it has already surpassed RRR’s lifetime collection of ₹1309 crore, it has yet to break Baahubali 2’s ₹1790 crore. Can Pushpa 2 reach or even surpass Dangal’s ₹2000 crore milestone? Only time will tell.
Why is Pushpa 2 Performing So Well?
Several factors contribute to the unprecedented success of Pushpa 2. The film’s success can be attributed to a combination of several elements:
- Allu Arjun’s Star Power: Allu Arjun, known for his mass appeal, has become a pan-India sensation. His performance as Pushpa Raj continues to resonate with audiences, who have been eagerly awaiting the sequel since Pushpa The Rise.
- Strategic Release and Pricing: The movie’s pricing, particularly in the Hindi markets, has been strategically positioned to cater to a wider audience. The film’s success in the Hindi belt showcases the growing acceptance of regional content in mainstream markets.
- International Appeal: Beyond Indian borders, Pushpa 2 has been a major hit. With strong performances in the U.S. and Canada, the film has garnered a global audience, proving that well-made Indian films can capture attention on a global stage.
- Weekend Boost: Similar to other massive blockbusters, Pushpa 2 has seen a surge in collections during weekends. While weekday collections have slowed down, the weekend box office numbers remain strong, demonstrating the film’s mass appeal.
Pushpa 2 vs Kalki 2898 AD
Both Pushpa 2 and Kalki 2898 AD have had impressive runs at the box office in 2024, but the battle between the two big stars Allu Arjun and Prabhas continues to intensify. By the end of their respective second weekends, Pushpa 2 had grossed ₹1008.5 crore, while Kalki 2898 AD lagged behind with ₹575.5 crore.
Despite Kalki 2898 AD having a star-studded cast including Amitabh Bachchan and Deepika Padukone, it is Pushpa 2 that currently holds the edge, especially with its superior weekend performance. As 2024 progresses, the race to be the highest-grossing Indian film of the year is still wide open, with Pushpa 2 maintaining a clear lead.
