Within hours of its highly anticipated release on Thursday, December 5, 'Pushpa 2: The Rule', starring Allu Arjun and Rashmika Mandanna, has fallen prey to online piracy.
The Sukumar directorial is now reportedly available on several piracy websites with HD versions up for download for 'free'. Reports on various news portals claim that the blockbuster is accessible on platforms of several piracy websites and is also available in multiple resolutions ranging from lower-gade 240p to HD prints of 1080p.
The leak has raised concerns about the potential impact on the film's box office performance. While fans have been thronging theatres to experience the sequel to the 2021 hit 'Pushpa: The Rise', the availability of pirated copies is touted to pose as a significant challenge to the commercial success.
While most films often leak online within hours of their release, this film's leak on piracy sites comes amidst controversy over its high ticket prices. According to reports, 'Pushpa 2' now has the highest ticket prices for a south film, a move that received political backing, but also faced opposition from local cinema enthusiasts.
Commenting on the approval of higher ticket rates for the film, Allu Arjun tweeted, "I extend my heartfelt thanks to the Government of Andhra Pradesh for approving the ticket hike. This progressive decision demonstrates your steadfast commitment to the growth and prosperity of the Telugu film industry."
He also extended his gratitude to the Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu and Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan for their unwavering commitment to the growth and prosperity of the Telugu film industry.
