5 July 2022
Hyderabad

For the past few days, buzz about Vijay Sethupathi’s participation in action-period drama Pushpa: The Rule has intensified, with some pointing out that it’s a casting coup of sorts à la Vikram. While it is true that he was the first choice of Sukumar for a prominent role in Pushpa: The Rise, he couldn’t do it due to his chock-o-block schedule. Now, Sethupathi’s name is attached to the sequel once again. When we reached out to a source close to the production house Mythri Movie Makers for a confirmation, he denied Makkal Selvan’s inclusion outright. “It’s absolutely false news. When Fahadh Faasil is in the film, the question of Vijay Sethupathi’s participation doesn’t arise. The Rule will be a showdown between Pushpa and SP Bhanwar Singh Shekhawat amid a game of wits, one-upmanship and clever ploys,” the source said.

The source added that Sukumar has locked the screenplay recently along with his team of writers. “There may be a couple of prominent new additions to the cast. As of now, that’s all. Maredumilli forest, East Godavari, will host a majority of the second part as well, with some new locations set to be finalized shortly. The principal photography will begin sometime next month,” the source concluded.

Set in the backdrop of red sanders smuggling in the Seshachalam Hills of Andhra Pradesh, Pushpa: The Rule, spearheaded by Icon star Allu Arjun, will see Pushpa’s reign as he encounters familiar names who attempt to obstruct his rapid ascent. Rashmika Mandanna, Sunil, Rao Ramesh and Anasuya will be reprising their parts once again, while Devi Sri Prasad will be composing the music.

-NAGARAJ GOUD