Who all rejected Pushpa The Rise before Allu Arjun, Rashmika Madanna, Fahadh Faasil were signed?

Pushpa: The Rise, besides its box office conquests which made it 2021's highest grosser movie in India, holds a saga of its own.

In the glittering world of cinema, every iconic role has a story behind its casting. Besides its box office conquests, Pushpa: The Rise, which was screened this week at the 74th Berlin International Film Festival, holds a saga of its own, marked by the rejection of several prominent actors who were initially approached for pivotal roles. Their decisions, for various reasons, ultimately paved the way for the eventual stars of the film.

As Allu Arjun has made it clear that Pushpa 3 is also on cards, take a look at the actors who rejected Pushpa in the first place. Their loss became Allu Arjun and Rashmika Madanna's's gain:

Mahesh Babu

Sukumar, the visionary director, initially envisioned Mahesh Babu as the protagonist, Pushpa Raj. However, Mahesh Babu opted out, hesitant to undergo a transformative journey and wary of embodying a character with shades of villainy.

Telugu superstar Mahesh Babu.

Allu Arjun's moment
This crucial turning point led Allu Arjun to step into the iconic role, a choice that not only became a milestone in his career but also earned him the prestigious 69th National Award for Best Actor for his stellar performance in the film. Pushpa: The Rise garnered widespread acclaim across the nation, cementing Allu Arjun's place as a cinematic powerhouse.

Samantha Ruth Prabhu

Similarly, Samantha celebrated for her grace and talent, was approached for the role of Srivalli. However, she declined the offer, clearing the path for Rashmika Mandanna to embrace the character. This twist of fate proved fortuitous, as Pushpa: The Rise soared to become the highest-grossing film of 2021, at Rs 360 crore-373 crore ($45-47 million). It is said that the actress did not want to portray a rural girl on screen after Rangasthalam which was also directed by Sukumar, but ended being part of the film with a dance number.

Samantha Ruth Prabhu.

Disha Patani

Another intriguing turn of events involved Disha Patani, who was sought after to share the screen with Allu Arjun in the song Oo Antava. However, Disha declined the offer, leading to Samantha's eventual inclusion in the film.

Disha Patani.

Vijay Sethupathi

Lastly, in a lesser-known revelation, Kollywood star Vijay Sethupathi was initially considered for the role of SP Bhanwar Singh Shekhawat IPS which eventually went to Mollywood actor Fahadh Faasil. Vijay Sethupathi turned down the role, citing that he doesn't want to portray a negative role yet again. Vijay Sethupathi made his debut in Telugu cinema with Uppena (2021) in which he played the antagonist.

Vijay Sethupathi.

An unconventional narrative

Pushpa: The Rise serves as a testament to the intricate tapestry of casting decisions that shape the destiny of a film. It underscores the dedication and adaptability of the actors who breathed life into this compelling narrative, delivering a cinematic experience that will resonate for years to come.