Allu Arjun has reflected on one of the most unconventional performances of his career in Pushpa 2: The Rule, where he appeared in a saree, jewellery, makeup and blue body paint for the Gangamma Jathara sequence. The actor described the experience of portraying a woman as the “most alpha thing” he has ever done. The transformation marked a striking departure from the rugged and masculine image associated with his character Pushpa Raj.

The Gangamma Jathara sequence is based on a traditional festival celebrated in parts of Andhra Pradesh in honour of Goddess Gangamma. The week-long celebration includes devotees dressing in elaborate costumes and feminine attire as part of the rituals. In the film, Pushpa undergoes a dramatic transformation for the sequence, appearing in a saree and traditional jewellery while wearing extensive makeup and blue body paint.

Allu Arjun said the transformation initially came with a sense of fear because of the scale and demands of the role. However, the sequence eventually became one of the most recognisable parts of the film. The actor had to balance the feminine elements of the ritual with the aggression, confidence and swagger associated with Pushpa Raj, making the performance particularly demanding.

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The sequence was also important to the film's narrative rather than being included only for its visual appeal. Allu Arjun's portrayal helped make the Gangamma Jathara portion one of the defining moments of Pushpa 2. The actor's willingness to take on a dramatically different appearance also demonstrated the extent to which the character could move beyond the conventional mass-hero template.

Reflecting on the success of the Pushpa franchise, Allu Arjun said the films have encouraged him to take Indian cinema to another level. Pushpa 2 significantly expanded the reach of Pushpa Raj and became one of the biggest Indian films in terms of box-office performance. The success has also allowed the actor to pursue larger-scale projects across different genres.

Allu Arjun is set to appear next in filmmaker Atlee's science-fiction film Raaka, which also stars Deepika Padukone and is being produced by Sun Pictures. The film is expected to release in December 2027 and is reportedly being made on a budget exceeding ₹1,000 crore. He also has AA23 with filmmaker Lokesh Kanagaraj in development, while a third Pushpa film is expected to continue Pushpa Raj's story, although an official announcement has not yet been made.

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