The Gammamma Jatara scene, multiple other references to Hindu deities were also cut. After all the edits, the runtime of Pushpa 2 in Saudi Arabia is reduced to 3 hours and 1 minute
The much-awaited sequel to Allu Arjun’s blockbuster hit Pushpa 1: The Rise, Pushpa 2: The Rule, has finally hit theaters worldwide, and fans in India have been eagerly waiting for this moment for three years. The excitement is palpable as audiences are flocking to theaters, and the film is already receiving an overwhelming response, starting from its opening shows.
While fans are celebrating the massive success and global release of Pushpa 2, there’s a twist in Saudi Arabia that may affect the viewing experience for its audience. The Saudi Arabian censor board has heavily edited the film, cutting out crucial scenes, including one that cost the makers a staggering Rs 60 crores to produce.
Controversial Cuts in Pushpa 2
Although the film is being celebrated worldwide, the Saudi Arabian censor board made significant cuts, particularly due to the depiction of Hindu deities. According to a report from News 18, the board removed an essential sequence, the Gammamma Jatara scene, which was highlighted by the makers as a pivotal moment in the film. Allu Arjun’s outstanding performance in this sequence was meant to be a major attraction.
The Gammamma Jatara, which involves men dressing as women in sarees, jewellery, and makeup to show respect to the deity Gammamma, is a traditional festival celebrated in the Tirupati region. This sequence was touted as one of the film’s highlights, and around Rs 60 crores were invested to bring it to life. Unfortunately, this significant and expensive scene was removed by the Saudi Arabian authorities.
A 19-Minute Shortened Runtime
In addition to the Gammamma Jatara scene, multiple other references to Hindu deities were also cut. After all the edits, the runtime of Pushpa 2 in Saudi Arabia is reduced to 3 hours and 1 minute, while the original version released in India runs for 3 hours and 20 minutes. It’s not uncommon for films to undergo slight changes after censoring, but a 19-minute reduction is quite substantial.
Despite these cuts in Saudi Arabia, Pushpa 2 is receiving an overwhelmingly positive response in other regions. With Allu Arjun, Rashmika Mandanna, and Fahadh Faasil playing crucial roles, the film is expected to become one of India’s biggest global hits, not just in India but across international markets as well.