Rashmika Mandanna on the Pushpa saga promoting toxic masculinity: ¡¯People like this exist¡¯

Rashmika Mandanna impressed fans with her work in the Allu Arjun-led Pushpa 2 , which hit the screens on December 5. The actioner, a sequel to Pushpa (2021), has become the talk of the town because of its impactful presentation and engaging performances. However, some have criticised the film (and the franchise in general) for promoting ¡®toxic masculinity¡¯. In a recent interview, Rashmika defended the film against this criticism.

Rashmika Mandanna defends the Pushpa saga

The Pushpa franchise has become a rage among the audience and proved to be a game-changer for the team. It has, however, often received flak for highlighting/celebrating ¡®toxic masculinity¡¯. In an interview with India Today, Rashmika Mandanna¡ª who plays the village belle Srivalli in the saga¨C said that individuals like the ones shown in the film exist in the real world.

She added that people come to watch films as they want to be entertained and highlighted that Pushpa 2 has fulfilled this need.

¡°People like this exist as well. You come to the cinema to be entertained. That¡¯s why we have the numbers we have today,¡± said the ¡®Kodava Beauty¡¯.

Pushpa 2, which hit the screens last week, has collected over Rs 1000 crore at the worldwide box office so far and helped Telugu cinema scale new heights. It also holds the distinction of the highest opener in Hindi despite being a dubbed flick.

About the Pushpa saga

The Pushpa saga centres on a lorry driver who takes on several dangerous foes in his quest for power. The first film focuses on his rise as a smuggler. Pushpa 2, on the other hand, centres on his attempts to expand his empire. The third installment of the franchise has already been announced but is expected to hit the screens around 2030.

Allu Arjun headlines the saga as the titular man of the masses. The cast includes Fahadh Faasil, Rashmika Mandanna, Sunil, and Rao Ramesh.