Allu Arjun, a prominent figure in Telugu cinema, has experienced a meteoric rise in popularity, leading some to consider him a bigger star than Bollywood’s Shah Rukh Khan (SRK).
SRK is a self proclaimed “Last of the stars” as per an interview he did after giving 4 flops but made a comeback with Pathan and Jawan after 4 years.
However, stars like Allu Arjun, Ranbir Kapoor, Prabhas and Yash have given much bigger BO hits than SRK at a much younger age.
This perspective is influenced by several factors, including recent box office performances, earnings, and regional influence.
Box Office Success: Allu Arjun’s “Pushpa: The Rise” (2021) was a pan-India success, significantly boosting his national recognition. The sequel, “Pushpa 2: The Rule,” released on December 5, 2024, is projected to break records with an estimated ₹294 crore gross collection globally on its opening day [Jawan Day 1 WW Box Office was 130 cr].
Pushpa 2 will easily cross WW collections of Jawan by a huge Margin and can even become the Highest Grossing Indian film of All Time crossing 2000 cr of Dangal [which is mostly from China and an exception].
In contrast, SRK’s “Jawan” (2023) holds the top spot for Hindi films with a ₹64 crore net opening day collection.
Earnings: Allu Arjun has reportedly become the highest-paid actor in India, charging approximately ₹300 crore for “Pushpa 2,” surpassing other top actors.
While SRK remains one of the highest-paid Bollywood stars, this development highlights Allu Arjun’s growing financial clout in the industry.
Popularity: Surveys indicate that Allu Arjun ranks among India’s top celebrities, often surpassing SRK in certain regions, especially in South India.
His unique style and performances have garnered a massive following, contributing to his elevated status.
Regional Influence: Allu Arjun’s dominance in the Telugu film industry and his expanding influence across India position him as a formidable star.
While SRK has a longstanding global fan base, Allu Arjun’s recent achievements suggest a shift in the entertainment landscape, with regional stars gaining nationwide prominence.
In conclusion, while Shah Rukh Khan remains an iconic figure in Indian cinema, Allu Arjun’s recent successes and growing popularity have led some to view him as a bigger star in certain contexts, reflecting the evolving dynamics of the Indian film industry.