Allu Arjun, Rashmika Mandanna and Fahadh Faasil’s Pushpa 2: The Rule has grossed over Rs 1,500 crore in worldwide box office collection, making it the fastest Indian film to reach the mark. The film, directed by Sukumar, hit the big screens on December 5 and it received mixed reviews from critics and the audience. Recently, it was reported that the film is all set to release on OTT soon. However, the production house has dismissed the reports and shared an update about the digital release of the film.

Taking to their official X account on Friday (December 20), the makers stated that Pushpa 2: The Rule is now available only in theatres and will release on OTT only after 56 days of its theatrical release.

“There are rumours floating around about the OTT release of #Pushpa2TheRule… Enjoy the Biggest Film #Pushpa2 only on the Big Screens in this Biggest Holiday Season ❤️ It won’t be on any OTT before 56 days! It’s #WildFirePushpa only in Theatres Worldwide,” their post read.

Rumours about Pushpa 2’s OTT release

It was reported that the makers have decided to add extra footage of 18 minutes in the film and the new version will release on OTT on Christmas.

Pushpa 2: The Rule is a sequel to 2021’s blockbuster Telugu film Pushpa: The Rise. In the second part of the film, Allu Arjun reprises his role as Pushpa Raj, a labourer who transforms into a sandalwood smuggler, joined by Rashmika as his wife Srivalli and Fahadh as SP Bhanwar Singh Shekhawat.

The release of Pushpa 2 generated quite a buzz across India and fans left no stone unturned to express their excitement. The film has shattered box office records and cemented itself as one of the biggest films of Indian cinema.

Kathmandu: Actor and film producer John Abraham has sent an urgent letter to Badri Prasad Pandey, Nepal’s Minister of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation, urging him to end the abuse of animals at the Chitwan Elephant Festival, where elephants are beaten into submission and forced to race, give rides, and “play” polo and football.

PETA Asia has exposed late-December festival repeatedly hitting and jabbing elephants with bullhooks (weapons that resemble a fireplace poker with a sharp hook on one end), sticks, and makeshift wooden knives. One elephant was beaten for nearly a minute, and many suffered from deep, bloody wounds around their heads and ears. When not being forced to perform during the festival, the elephants are used for rides by tourists visiting Chitwan.

“These intelligent, sensitive animals endure immense physical and emotional strain during these games,” writes Abraham. “As someone who has witnessed the beauty of elephants in their natural habitat, I can tell you that they symbolise strength, grace, and wisdom. They are a national treasure in so many ways, and Nepal has the opportunity to lead the way in showing the world how to respect and protect these magnificent animals.”

Elephants are highly social animals who thrive in the company of their extended families. Births are joyous celebrations, and the deaths of loved ones are mourned. But elephants in captivity are deprived of everything natural and important to them and often exhibit obsessive, repetitive behaviours indicative of severe psychological distress.

Abraham concludes his letter with a request to Pandey to cancel the elephant games and steer Nepal “towards a future where traditions can evolve to reflect our shared values of kindness and respect for all living, feeling beings.”

“Nepal holds a special place in my heart, and I am confident that its bright future will be shaped by decisions that honour its people, wildlife, and unparalleled natural beauty,” Abraham writes.

Singer-actor Diljit Dosanjh is all set to perform in Mumbai on Thursday (December 19) as a part of his Dil-Luminati India Tour. However, ahead of his concert, he has received a notice from Maharashtra government which restricts him from performing on songs which promote drugs, violence and alcohol. Diljit has not reacted to the notice yet.

So far, Diljit has performed in Chandigarh, Pune, Kolkata, Hyderabad, Lucknow, Ahmedabad, Delhi, Indore, and Jaipur. After Mumbai, he will perform in Guwahati.

According to a report, the Maharashtra State Commission for Protection of Child Rights issued a notice to Diljit and his management, instructing them to refrain from using children on stage during performances. Reportedly, they also mentioned in the notice that songs promoting alcohol, drugs, and violence should not be performed during his Mumbai concert.

The report further stated that the notice follows a complaint filed by Panditrao Dharenwar, who expressed concerns about the involvement of children in stage performances and the impact of certain lyrics in Diljit’s songs on young audiences.

A day earlier, the District Child Protection Officer (DCPO) in Mumbai issued another notice to Diljit’s management, cautioning them against promoting substances like alcohol and gutka during his LIVE performances.

It may be mentioned that similar concerns were voiced by Chandigarh and Telangana governments earlier. However, during his Hyderabad concert, the singer changed the word ‘daaru’ to ‘coke’ and ‘theka’ to ‘hotel’ to bypass the restrictions.

Diljit has been constantly making headlines due to his controversial statements during his performances.

During his Chandigarh concert (December 14), the singer shocked fans by claiming that he will not be performing in India due to the poor infrastructure for LIVE shows and urged authorities to arrange better facilities. However, he later clarified that he never said he wouldn’t perform in India, explaining that his remarks were solely about issues with the venue in Chandigarh.