When Pushpa: The Rise hit the screens in December 2021, no one could have predicted the cultural storm it would unleash. Directed by Sukumar and led by National Award-winning actor Allu Arjun, the film became more than just a blockbuster – it turned into a phenomenon. With Pushpa 2: The Rule, the craze reached fever pitch.
Allu Arjun’s portrayal of Pushpa Raj, a sandalwood smuggler, struck a chord with the masses. His unique body language, ‘jhukega nahi’ gesture and the shoulder-lift walk became instant trends. Fans, celebrities, and even politicians mimicked his style.
While Allu Arjun’s unbreakable spirit has resonated with the audience it looks like it is sparking some unexpected consequences as well.
Teacher blames Pushpa for ‘spoiling’ students
A government school teacher from Yousufguda, Hyderabad, has reportedly claimed that Pushpa 2 has turned half of her students into ‘spoiled brats’.
During a recent meeting with the Education Commission, several school teachers and headmasters from different government schools voiced their concerns about the increasing influence of cinema and media on students.
According to a report in Gulte, the Yousufguda headmistress expressed her frustration, stating that students, particularly those from government schools, are becoming more difficult to handle.
According to the teacher, students are not only skipping school but also adopting bad behaviour and language influenced by their surroundings. She pointed out their “odd hairstyles” resembling characters from Pushpa 2 and the lack of concern from parents.
“They don’t behave well and pick up bad language from their streets and homes. Especially, their hairstyle is very odd, and when we try to tell them to change it, they pay no ear to us. Even the parents also not concerned about it,” she reportedly said.
Is Pushpa really to be blame? Netizens react
Soon after the news of the school teacher surfaced on social media, netizens had varied opinions on the matter.
Reacting to the news, an X user wrote, “To the principal, If you truly believe students are getting “spoiled” by watching films like Pushpa and getting influenced by them, then I’m actually glad they’re taking inspiration from cinema. So, I sincerely request you to screen films like 12th Fail, Super 30, Udaan, Anjali, 35 CKK, and Swades for them every single day. Let’s see how many of them magically turn into those characters.”
“This is the problem with cringe and illiteracy!! Never let any illiterate watch cringe cinemas.” wrote another user.
“I never liked this movie nor encouraged. Even as entertainment, this is not worth it. Glorifying a robber like seriously? I have a psychological take why such movies go crazy but again it will be controversial 😄🤦 I will rest my case here,” read another comment on X.
“What’s this nonsense? Isn’t that teachers job to tell students what’s good and what’s not? Why blame movie,” asked another user.
Here’s how others reacted:
Meanwhile, Pushpa 2: The Rule, which hit the big screens on 5 December 2024, earned over Rs 1,642 crore. It broke several records and became the third highest-grossing Indian film worldwide.
The film also stars Fahadh Faasil and Rashmika Mandanna among others.
