Allu Arjun's 'Pushpa 2' gets an official OTT release date, but disappoints Hindi fans

The box office hit movie 'Pushpa 2: The Rule', starring Allu Arjun and directed by Sukumar, is gearing up for its OTT release following an extraordinary theatrical run. The reloaded version of the blockbuster, which debuted in cinemas on January 17, will stream on Netflix starting January 30. It will be available in Telugu, Tamil, Malayalam, and Kannada, though the Hindi version is not included in this release.
The OTT platform took to its official X (formerly Twitter) handle to share the news, accompanied by a poster that reads:“The man. The myth. The brAAnd. Pushpa’s rule is about to begin! Watch Pushpa 2 – Reloaded Version with 23 minutes of extra footage on Netflix, coming soon in Telugu, Tamil, Malayalam & Kannada! (sic)”'. While the post did not explicitly confirm the streaming date, the platform's “New and Hot” section lists January 30 as the official release date.

The ‘Reloaded’ version extends the film’s runtime from 3 hours and 20 minutes to 3 hours and 44 minutes. The 23 minutes of additional footage aim to enrich the storyline by addressing prior criticisms about the lack of character development. This extra cut deepens Pushpa’s character arc and heightens the narrative’s overall impact, adding layers to an already intense story.
The film sets the stage for its next instalment, 'Pushpa 3: The Rampage'. Speculation suggests that Sukumar has already begun scripting the third chapter, which is expected to carry forward the thrilling legacy of the franchise.

Released in theatres on December 5, 2024, 'Pushpa 2: The Rule' made history by grossing over Rs 1,800 crore worldwide. This exceptional feat overtook 'Baahubali 2: The Conclusion' to become the highest-grossing Indian film ever. Featuring a star-studded cast that includes Rashmika Mandanna, Fahadh Faasil, Jagapathi Babu, Rao Ramesh, Anasuya Bharadwaj, and Sunil, the film continues to run successfully in theatres. Devi Sri Prasad is the music director of the movie.
ETimes review for the movie reads, "Though the film has its flaws—like, a not-so-strong story and over-the-top action sequences—its smart screenplay, brilliant performances, and top-notch production values overshadow these drawbacks.. Pushpa 2: The Rule is a sequel that surpasses its predecessor in scale, storytelling, and emotional depth. Sukumar’s vision, combined with Allu Arjun’s powerhouse performance, layered narrative, breathtaking visuals, and stellar ensemble cast, makes it a cinematic triumph that demands to be experienced on the big screen."