New Delhi: Satin shirts with plunging necklines, bold floral prints, layers of gold chains and bracelets, a pop of red on the nails, and a streak of golden hair—no, this isn’t a model strutting the runway. This is Pushpa aka Allu Arjun, redefining swag one outfit at a time.
“Allu Arjun wanted the florid shirts to become as iconic for Pushpa as tweed is for Chanel,” said costume designer Sheetal Sharma, summing up his vision.
And he’s got just that. Pushpa 2: The Rule is turning heads for Allu Arjun’s flashy style.
But wait—it was Ranveer Singh, who did it first. That too, off screen. He is the pioneer of loud prints, bold accessories, and unapologetic style. Sadly, Ranveer’s fashion risks were often met with side-eye instead of applause. His Rocky Randhawa avatar turned the tables slightly.
Meanwhile, Allu Arjun’s Pushpa swag had the people hooked from the first look, perhaps because it comes packaged in a massy blockbuster that knows how to sell the ‘cool’ factor. Maybe it’s the larger-than-life storytelling. Maybe it’s timing.
Either way, it’s clear: what Ranveer started, Pushpa amplified—and the audience is eating it up.
Also read: Pushpa 2 fever grips Telugu & Tamil film industries—Atlee, Rana Daggubati are raving about it
A fashion statement
Allu Arjun commands the audience’s attention with his antics in the entry song, Pushpa Pushpa. But, it’s the stunning green shirt that draws your eyes in.
Pushpa’s shirts come in bright blues, deep reds, pista greens. Patterns range from oversized florals to paisleys, with occasional embroidery to add that extra flair.
The loosely-fitted shirts were styled well with solid-coloured pants to let the shirt’s drama stand out.
As for accessories, the man loves his shades and loads of gold—in every way possible.
“Allu Arjun is a massy star. He is known for his style. Whatever you do with him, it automatically gets a mass appeal,” said Sharma.
And, this isn’t the first time the duo have set trends.
Pushpa 2 marks Sharma’s second collaboration with the superstar, their first being Naa Peru Surya (2018).
While the film itself didn’t light up the box office, Allu Arjun’s razor-cut eyebrow line and matching hair trim became a nationwide trend.
So, it’s no surprise that Allu Arjun’s team reached out to Sharma again for the sequel.
“In the first part, his character was poor and had no real taste. But in the sequel, he’s swimming in money—and new money always loves to flaunt,” Sharma said.
Despite his low profile on social media, Sharma’s work speaks volumes. His unique ability to weave storytelling into costumes has made him a favourite in South cinema.
And, projects like Sita Ramam (2022) and Hi Nanna (2023) have cemented his credentials.
But it’s Pushpa 2 that’s given Sharma a confidence boost.
“I am collaborating with Hanu Raghavapudi for a period drama, starring Prabhas. And, after Pushpa’s success, the frequency of collaborations will only increase,” he added.
Also read: Pushpa 2 choreography is a tragic mashup of yoga and intimate poses. No Antava
Bollywood, the fashion trendsetter
While the over-the-top shirt isn’t new, “Allu Arjun as Pushpa has not only revived it but has also taken it to the next level,” said costume designer Joy Crizildaa, known for her work in films like Darling (2015), Miruthan (2016) and Kanithan (2016).
According to her, South India has taken a page from Bollywood when it comes to experimenting with men’s fashion.
“The Hindi film industry plays with colours as well as prints like florals like no other. And, Singh took it to extremes breaking all possible barriers,” she said.
From wearing a bright all-pink outfit on the red carpet, sporting heels, carrying a handbag— Singh has done it all.
Talking about her own experience, the costume designer revealed how she tried to incorporate loud colours in Vishnu Vishal’s wardrobe for Velainu Vandhutta Vellaikaaran (2016).
“He prefers subtle colours. But, as per the film’s demand, we gave him flashy red, orange and neon shades,” she said. “And, it turned out to be really good.”
The long-standing stereotype that ‘flashy and over-the-top fashion is for women’ is breaking with costume designers pushing actors out of their comfort zone.
And, with Allu Arjun leading from the front, it won’t be long before we see these styles on the streets.
(Edited by Theres Sudeep)
Ms. Triya Gulati seems to be utterly confused.
“Allu Arjun’s style”, “Pushpa swag” – Seriously?
He looks like a daily wage labourer.
The watchman at my residential complex in Delhi looks more handsome and smart than Allu Arjun.
Ms. Gulati would do well to study first and understand what words like “style” and “swag” mean.