'Pushpa 2: The Rule': Allu Arjun’s portrayal of Goddess Gangamma leaves audience spellbound

Hyderabad: Allu Arjun’s much-anticipated Pushpa 2: The Rule is set to shatter box office records.

`Jatara scene’ has become one of the standout moments of the movie. Allu Arjun's portrayal of Goddess Gangamma has garnered widespread acclaim.

The 19-minute sequence has become a fan favorite, with viewers praising Allu Arjun’s electrifying performance on social media. Clips of the Jatara scenes have flooded Instagram and X, with fans hailing his portrayal as mesmerizing.

In this scene, Allu Arjun is seen dancing like Gangamma, dressed in a traditional blue saree adorned with a lemon garland and ornaments and painted blue. His fans have described it as an awe-inspiring performance.

What is Gangamma Jatara?

Gangamma Temple is a revered folk festival celebrated in several regions of South India, including Tirupati, Karnataka, Rayalaseema, Coastal Andhra, and Uttarandhra. The festival honors Goddess Gangamma worshipped as the younger sister of Lord Sri Venkateswara.

Typically observed by the native residents of Tirupati, this annual festival takes place in the first fortnight of May. During the Jatara, the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam sends a ‘Parisu’—an auspicious gift that includes sarees, turmeric, kumkum, and bangles—to Goddess Gangamma.

The Legend Behind the Jatara

According to Hindu mythology, the Jatara commemorates the slaying of a Palegadu, a tyrant who harassed and assaulted women. Overwhelmed by his cruelty, the region's women prayed to Goddess Jaganmatha, who was believed to be born as Gangamma in Avilala village near Tirupati.

Gangamma is known for her beauty. When the Palegadu went to Gangamma with bad intentions, she with her power tried to kill him. Fearing her, Palegadu was hidden in a remote place. She tried to bring the Palegadu out of hiding by donning various disguises (vichitra veshadharana) for a week. On the seventh day, dressed as a king (Dora), she confronted him. Believing a king had arrived, the Palegadu emerged and was slain by the Goddess.

The seven-day festival celebrates Gangamma’s valor and her act of punishing the Palegadu for his demonic deeds. Men dress in sarees, wigs, and makeup to participate in the festivities.

All the rituals of Ganga Jatara are depicted in Pushpa 2, with Allu Arjun portrayed as Gangamma, painting himself blue and donning a traditional blue saree with a garland made of lemons, and wearing ornaments.

Censorship in Saudi Arabia

The Jatara scene, however, faced censorship in Saudi Arabia. Reports indicate that the Saudi Censor Board objected to Allu Arjun’s portrayal of a Goddess, citing it as inappropriate for a heroic character.

The film’s extensive references to Hindu deities were also flagged, leading to the scene’s removal in the region.