When Pushpa Raj, played by Allu Arjun, declared “Thaggede Le” in 2021, it wasn’t just a dialogue, it was a promise. A promise that the world of Pushpa would evolve into something bigger, bolder, and downright unstoppable. Fast forward to 2024, and Pushpa 2: The Rule is not just a cinematic sequel- it’s a full-blown cultural phenomenon.
With a staggering opening of Rs 164 crore on its first day, the film has obliterated trade expectations and set new benchmarks for pan-Indian cinema. But the secret to its success lies not only in its cinematic brilliance but also in its unprecedented marketing strategy.
Let’s unravel the marketing magic behind the most anticipated movie of the year and how it’s rewriting the rulebook for brand collaborations and audience engagement.
A seven-city spectacle: Taking promotions to the heartlands
Gone are the days when Telugu stars limited their promotional circuits to Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. Pushpa 2 flipped the script with a strategic seven-city tour covering Mumbai, Patna, Kochi, Kolkata, Chennai, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad. The movie cast visited Patna in November to launch the trailer in a grand event, signaling the film’s intent to connect deeply with India’s heartland audiences.
By stepping beyond traditional strongholds, the film’s marketing team embraced regional diversity, ensuring that fans from every corner of India felt seen and valued.
How Pushpa 2 Became a Magnet for Top Brands
If Pushpa: The Rise made the franchise a household name, Pushpa 2: The Rule cemented it as a brand in itself. Iconic brands like Thums Up, Blinkit, Kalyan Jewellers, Uber, jumped on board, seamlessly integrating their products into the movie’s narrative.
What’s more? With numerous in-film brand placements, the movie blurred the lines between storytelling and marketing, proving that product placement isn’t just about visibility, it’s about cultural immersion.
Blinkit
Blinkit recently offered customers a Rs 200 discount voucher on purchases of Rs 999 or more through its app. This one-time offer, valid for each customer, can be redeemed across all cinemas in India and for any seat category exclusively for Pushpa 2. The voucher is valid until December 15 and applies solely to the ticket price, excluding convenience fees and additional items in the booking order.
Thumbs Up
Thums Up unveiled its latest campaign featuring Arjun, perfectly timed to ride the growing excitement surrounding Pushpa 2, aiming to engage fans of both the cola brand and the actor.
Kalyan Jewellers
Kalyan Jewellers launched ‘Pushpa’, a limited-edition jewellery collection inspired by the essence of the movie. Timed perfectly ahead of the release of Pushpa 2, this exquisite range captured the grandeur and natural beauty showcased in the film. Featuring bold and sophisticated designs, the collection celebrated strength and elegance with striking craftsmanship.
itel
itel has also joined forces with Pushpa 2 to announce its upcoming flagship A80 smartphone – slated to be launched in January 2025. This collaboration leverages the film’s massive pan-Indian fanbase and the universal appeal of compelling storytelling by itel to create a powerful and engaging connection with audiences.
Uber
Uber also collaborated with Pushpa 2 as the film’s official mobility partner. This exclusive partnership promises UberOne members in Hyderabad a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to celebrate the launch of Pushpa 2 in style, with exclusive benefits and exciting contests.
ITC Mangaldeep
ITC Mangaldeep has joined hands with Pushpa 2: The Rule as its official devotional partner. It also introduced a special co-branded limited-edition Mangaldeep Scent 3 in 1 Agarbatti pack.
Tata Tea
Tata Tea Chakra Gold has also joined hands with Pushpa 2: The Rule as its exclusive beverage partner. Celebrating a shared essence of strength, intensity, and South India’s rich cinematic heritage, the collaboration is encapsulated in the campaign theme, ‘Ghanam Cinema tho Ghanam Chai’ (Grand tea with grand cinema).
Several other brands seized the opportunity to ride the Pushpa 2 wave, including Mitsubishi Pajero, Daawat Rice, Kajaria Tiles, Beardo, Beyond Snacks, JK Tyres, and many others.
In conclusion, Pushpa 2 isn’t just a film, it’s a marketing phenomenon. From its carefully curated promotional tour across cities to the smart integration of over numerous brands, the movie is showing how powerful a cultural touchstone can be for brands looking to make a real impact. This isn’t just about selling products, it’s about creating lasting connections with audiences by becoming part of their experience.
As Pushpa 2 continues to dominate box offices and social media feeds, it’s clear that the real takeaway for marketers is: if you want to create buzz, align with something that resonates with the masses on a deeper level. Whether it’s through in-cinema ads, on-screen brand placements, or tapping into viral trends, Pushpa 2 has set the bar high for how films can go beyond just entertainment to become a full-fledged marketing powerhouse.
