Pushpa 3 Will Likely Feature Junior NTR as Villain

The Pushpa franchise has rapidly emerged as one of the most significant cinematic successes in recent times. Beginning with the 2021 film Pushpa: The Rise, directed by Sukumar and starring Allu Arjun in the lead role, the series has hit all the right chords for the audiences across India.

Its gripping narrative, unforgettable characters, and intense action sequences made it a commercial juggernaut. The sequel to the colossal success story, Pushpa 2: The Rule (2024), will be most eagerly awaited after the unbelievable success of the first part.

But much before it, fans already start surmising things about Pushpa 3: The Rampage and Junior NTR as villain.

The Pushpa Phenomenon: A Brief Overview

Beyond their box office success, the Pushpa films are more than just a commercial hit; they follow the story of a lower-class man who fights his way to power in the illegal red sandalwood smuggling trade.

The first film, Pushpa: The Rise, broke records in Indian cinema and has been appreciated for its raw and gritty depiction of life in the criminal underworld, with emotionally charged storylines and stellar performances.

Allu Arjun turned out to be a national icon through his portrayal of the rebellious and cunning Pushpa Raj. The film’s success wasn’t limited to the Telugu-speaking population but made waves in Hindi-speaking regions, marking a rare achievement for a Telugu film.

In fact, Pushpa: The Rise emerged as one of the highest-grossing South Indian films by the time it crossed more than ₹300 crore worldwide, which is equivalent to over $40 million earned from the box office around the world.

Catch dialogues, memorable catchphrases, and Allu Arjun’s meticulously crafted performance made the Pushpa Raj character a fan’s favorite.

After the huge success of the first film, Pushpa 2: The Rule, set to be released in December 2024, is much-awaited by fans.

Once again, the director Sukumar will take the audience through the world of Pushpa Raj, with the stakes growing as the character evolves. With an empire on a rise and a web of enemies, this is going to intensify for Pushpa Raj, making the stage for an even greater clash in Pushpa 3.

Speculation and Rumors: Junior NTR as the Villain

Even though Pushpa 2: The Rule is yet to hit theaters, rumors about Pushpa 3 have already started circulating, and one of the most intriguing speculations involves the potential casting of Junior NTR as the antagonist.

Junior NTR, who has become a major star in the Telugu film industry with hits like RRR, Janatha Garage, and Aravinda Sametha, is among the most sought-after actors in India. His versatility and powerful screen presence make him an ideal candidate for any role, more so of a villain.

The rumors about NTR’s involvement in Pushpa 3 gained momentum after the actor teased the name of the third part on director Sukumar’s birthday in 2022. This simple tweet ignited a firestorm of speculation and fans began wondering whether Junior NTR would play a key role in the film.

Although there has been no confirmation from the makers regarding his casting, the prospect of Junior NTR playing the antagonist is generating much buzz.

In films like RRR, where he played a rebellious freedom fighter, NTR has proven his ability to bring depth and menace to roles that are villainous in nature.

His strong screen presence and the ability to evoke intense emotions in the audience makes him a perfect choice for an antagonist who could pose a challenge to Allu Arjun’s Pushpa Raj.

Additionally, the franchise of Pushpa always has relied on larger-than-life characters and intense rivalries.

Once Pushpa Raj becomes the mass leader, he will certainly encounter sterner tests in subsequent installments, and it is a role that will call for a mature actor like NTR to bring necessary gravity and intensity to play a villain.

Fans have already started envisioning what a face-off between Allu Arjun and NTR could look like on screen, as both are known for their action-packed roles and charismatic performances.

Rival Speculations: Other Possible Villains

While Junior NTR has been the most prominent speculations, other actors have also been touted as possible villains for Pushpa 3.

According to reports, Sukumar and the production team of the film have also considered other big names such as Vijay Deverakonda and Bollywood actor Sunny Deol.

Tollywood’s next big thing, Vijay Deverakonda, had already given out hints about his association with Pushpa 3 when he hinted at the title of the movie in a tweet wishing Sukumar on his birthday.

The fans are guessing that Deverakonda will play a key role in the third installment, perhaps even as the antagonist. This would be a great development since Deverakonda has been making waves in Tollywood, and his ability to deliver intensity in movies like Arjun Reddy and Liger is quite commendable.

On the other hand, Bollywood veteran Sunny Deol was also rumored to be considered for a villainous role in the series.

Although this is unconfirmed, bringing a pan-Indian star like Deol into the Pushpa universe could be an exciting crossover between Bollywood and Tollywood audiences.

What Does Pushpa 3 Hold for the Future?

Although the details of the plot of Pushpa 3 are still under wraps, several key elements are expected to shape the narrative.

The first and foremost is the continuation of the saga of Pushpa Raj’s rise to power. By the end of Pushpa 2: The Rule, Pushpa will likely face new threats, both from within his empire and from rival factions.

The major question in this regard is who will end up being the villain trying to challenge Pushpa Raj from his newly acquired position at the top.

With characters like Junior NTR’s as an antagonist, the final part of the series can be the most conflicted piece in the franchise. Fans are theorizing that NTR’s character would be someone who goes against Pushpa not just in terms of power, but also in terms of ideology, making for quite a compelling narrative that raises the stakes of the movie.

Director Sukumar has always been able to keep the audience on the edge of their seats with unexpected twists and turns, and Pushpa 3 is going to be no different.

Adding a powerful antagonist like Junior NTR would definitely set the stage for an epic showdown between the hero and the villain. The movie is going to be action-packed with high-stakes drama and emotional depth.

Impact of Junior NTR’s Casting

If Junior NTR was to play the antagonist in Pushpa 3, this would be a monumental moment in the franchise history.

In this way, his joining would not only mean adding some complexity to the universe that Pushpa possesses but will also make it the most highly anticipated film in Indian Cinema.

Allu Arjun versus NTR: it would definitely be one of the most discussed face-offs in cinematic history, given that both have fan followings and, most importantly, this would feature some high-octane action sequences to go along with the hero versus hero feud.

In conclusion, while Pushpa 2: The Rule is poised to be a major release in December 2024, fans are already looking ahead to Pushpa 3.

With the rumors of Junior NTR playing the villain, the excitement surrounding the third installment has reached new heights. Whether or not these rumors are true, one thing is clear: Pushpa 3 is going to be an epic continuation of a franchise that has already redefined the landscape of Indian cinema.