'Pushpa: The Rise' box office collection day 2: Allu Arjun-starrer sets non-Baahubali 2 record in Telugu states

The film has been directed by Sukumar, the filmmaker behind hits such as 'Arya' and 'Rangasthalam'

Actor Allu Arjun's latest movie Pushpa: The Rise opened to phenomenal response in the Telugu states on Friday (November 17), collecting a share of Rs 24.9 crore at the box office. It raked in an impressive Rs 13.70 crore on the second day, setting a non-Baahubali 2 record. Its total collection stands at Rs 38.60 crore.

The positive response to the biggie can be attributed to the fact that the film caters to a mass audience and features Bunny in a never-seen-before avatar. The film's impressive soundtrack, which comprises chartbusters such as Srivalli and Oo Antava, too appears to have worked in its favour. The fact that Pushpa: The Rise is set in the Telugu heartland helped reign supreme in the 'B' and 'C' centres.

Also Read | 'Pushpa' movie review: Terrific Allu Arjun deserved a better film

That said, the film's figures could have been even better had it not hit the screens a day after the Hollywood biggie Spider-Man: No Way Home. The Tom Holland-starrer has made an impact in urban markets.

The film received mixed reviews with most critics praising the performances but criticising the execution. The middling word of mouth affected its performance on the second day to a certain extent.

The flick, backed by Mythri Movie Makers, is an actioner that revolves around red sanders smuggling. It features the 'Stylish Star' in the role of a lorry driver named Pushpa Raj and is a complete departure from his previous films DJ and Ala Vaikunthapurramuloo. The movie stars Rashmika Mandanna, who rose to fame with her work in Kirik Party and Geetha Govindam, as the female protagonist and marks her first collaboration with the Julayi hero.

It features Fahadh Faasil, the star of movies such as CU Soon and Malik, as the antagonist and marks his Tollywood debut. He does not have many scenes in the film but will feature prominenly in its sequel, titled Pushpa: The Rule, which is slated to release in theatres next year.