The much-anticipated release of Pushpa 2: The Rule, featuring Allu Arjun and Rashmika Mandanna, has ignited discussions online, primarily due to the controversial choreography of the newly-released song “Peelings.”

A Controversial Countdown

With the movie set to release on December 5, 2024, the makers of Pushpa 2 have been pulling out all stops to create hype. After a delayed production timeline and heightened fan anticipation, the film is seen as one of the biggest cinematic releases of the year. However, the song “Peelings” has stolen the spotlight for reasons beyond its catchy beat and mass appeal.

The choreography of the song, crafted by Sekhar Vulli VJ, has sparked a mix of admiration and criticism, with many fans taking to social media to express their reactions. The moves performed by Allu Arjun and Rashmika Mandanna are bold and unconventional, drawing both applause for their energy and backlash for their perceived vulgarity.

Divided Opinions

While some viewers praised Allu Arjun’s dedication to his craft and Rashmika Mandanna’s confidence, the majority of comments online reflect disappointment and disapproval. Critics of the choreography have labeled it “uncomfortable” and “unnecessary,” sparking broader discussions about trends in cinematic dance sequences.

The debate extended to platforms like Twitter and Instagram, where users voiced opinions such as:

“How? Just how did someone okay this!”
“This is embarrassing to even watch.”
“Allu Arjun is such a good dancer, why did they have to do this?”

The criticism wasn’t limited to the moves themselves, as some comments accused modern choreography of crossing boundaries, with one user stating:

“These days choreography has become like soft porn. Don’t understand why actresses say yes to this.”

A North-South Divide

The conversation soon escalated beyond Pushpa 2, reigniting the long-standing debate between Bollywood and South Indian cinema over vulgarity in song-and-dance routines. Critics of South Indian cinema pointed out the perceived hypocrisy, accusing the industry of promoting culture publicly while featuring what they deemed inappropriate elements in their films. One user remarked:

“People call out Bollywood vulgar songs, Bhojpuri vulgar songs but rarely the South Indian ones. They preach about their culture yet make such crass songs.”

On the other hand, fans of South Indian cinema were quick to defend their industry, pointing out similar trends in Bollywood. Some users highlighted:

“Take a look at some ‘North Indian’ item songs before generalizing. Malaika and Katrina haven’t made millions for their acting chops.”
“Nora Fatehi, Kiara Advani, and others have done similar steps. It’s not just about South songs.”

Building the Hype

Despite the polarizing reactions, Pushpa 2: The Rule remains a highly anticipated release. Allu Arjun’s portrayal of the titular character Pushparaj and Rashmika Mandanna’s return as Srivalli are key draws for the film, which has been in development for years. The film’s first installment, Pushpa: The Rise, became a massive hit upon its release, setting high expectations for the sequel.

With only a few days left for its theatrical debut, Pushpa 2 is expected to open to packed cinemas, thanks in part to the viral conversations around “Peelings.” Whether the choreography is seen as bold artistry or an overstep, it has undoubtedly contributed to the film’s publicity.

For more updates on Pushpa 2, stay tuned to Vviptimes.