The release of Pushpa 2 is just around the corner with Allu Arjuns highly anticipated sequel set to hit theaters on December 5th. Fans are eagerly awaiting the trailer which is expected to drop on November 17th. Expectations are sky-high for the films box office performance thanks to the legacy of its predecessor Pushpa: The Rise. The first film catapulted Allu Arjun into pan-India stardom with his unique dance moves memorable dialogues and gripping action sequences winning hearts across the nation. But interestingly Allu Arjun was not the first choice for the role. Initially director Sukumar had approached another Telugu superstar for the lead role. When that actor turned down the film it ultimately landed in Allu Arjun’s lap. The actor who rejected Pushpa was none other than Mahesh Babu. Mahesh Babus rejection changed Allu Arjuns destiny When Sukumar first conceived the idea of Pushpa he went to Mahesh Babu with the offer. Mahesh was initially involved with the project and even assisted Sukumar in certain aspects. However after a while creative differences led to Mahesh parting ways with the film. Thats when Allu Arjun took over the role and his career took a turn for the better making him a bigger star than Mahesh Babu today. Allu Arjun vs. Mahesh Babu: the silent rivalry While Allu Arjun and Mahesh Babu have never publicly criticized each other a rivalry between the two seems to exist. Their fans often engage in heated debates on social media sparking discussions that often escalate into online confrontations. The exact reasons behind this rivalry remain unclear but it has become a notable part of the Telugu film industrys dynamics. Meanwhile Allu Arjun is preparing for another massive success with Pushpa 2 set to further solidify his position as a pan-India star. On the other hand Mahesh Babu is busy working on his upcoming film SSMB29 with none other than S. S. Rajamouli. The film is rumored to have a budget close to 1000 crores with Rajamouli aiming to turn it into a global phenomenon. Reports suggest that the filmmaker is even negotiating with Hollywood studios to take the film to an international audience. In the end both stars have their paths to glory but it’s clear that Pushpa 2 and SSMB29 are set to redefine the landscape of Indian cinema in their own ways.