South Indian superstar Allu Arjun is currently the talk of the town for his upcoming film Pushpa 2, set to hit theatres on December 6. Known for his intense performances and brilliant film choices, Allu Arjun has carefully crafted a career filled with hit after hit. However, despite his knack for picking the right projects, there are several films that he turned down, which later went on to become massive hits.
Let’s take a look at some of these blockbuster films that Allu Arjun rejected, and which later made waves at the box office.
1. Jayam (2002)
Jayam is a timeless romantic drama in Tollywood, where actor Nithin made his debut. Before Nithin stepped into the role, Allu Arjun was originally offered the film. However, due to his busy schedule, he had to let go of the project. This film became a career-defining moment for Nithin, and is still regarded as one of his standout performances.
You can now watch Jayam on YouTube.
2. Bhadra (2005)
One of Ravi Teja’s biggest hits, Bhadra became a milestone in his career. His portrayal in this action-packed film was widely praised, but what many don’t know is that Allu Arjun was initially considered for the lead role. However, after reading the script, Arjun decided to pass on it, feeling the story didn’t resonate with him at the time.
For those who haven’t seen it, Bhadra is available on YouTube and Prime Video.
3. 100% Love (2011)
The romantic drama 100% Love featuring Naga Chaitanya and Tamannaah Bhatia was a big success at the box office. This charming love story became a fan favorite, especially for Naga Chaitanya’s performance. Initially, the film was offered to Allu Arjun, but he felt the storyline wasn’t strong enough and decided to opt-out. Little did anyone know that it would become such a big hit!
Catch 100% Love on YouTube if you haven’t watched it yet.
4. Arjun Reddy (2017)
One of the most iconic films of South Indian cinema, Arjun Reddy, was first offered to Allu Arjun before it went to Vijay Deverakonda. Directed by Sandeep Reddy Vanga, this intense romantic drama turned into a cult classic. Arjun rejected the offer as he was busy with another project at the time. Vijay Deverakonda’s career skyrocketed post this film, and it remains one of the highlights of his acting journey.
You can watch Arjun Reddy on Disney Plus Hotstar and Prime Video.
5. Geetha Govindam (2018)
The superhit romantic comedy Geetha Govindam, starring Vijay Deverakonda and Rashmika Mandanna, was originally supposed to feature Allu Arjun. The film, which became a turning point in Vijay’s career, was offered to Arjun, but he decided to pass on it. His rejection eventually became a boon for Vijay, who nailed the role and won over the audience with his charming performance.
If you haven’t yet watched this film, it’s available on Disney Plus Hotstar and YouTube.
6. Gang Leader (2019)
Nani’s Gang Leader is considered one of his most beloved films. The movie, directed by Vikram Kumar, was first offered to Allu Arjun, but he opted not to take it. The reason for his rejection remains unclear. However, the film became a hit and added another feather to Nani’s cap, further cementing his status in the Tamil and Telugu film industries.
You can catch Gang Leader on Disney Plus Hotstar.
7. Liger (2022)
The much-hyped Liger, which introduced Vijay Deverakonda to Bollywood, was another project that Allu Arjun declined. The star reportedly turned down the role because he wasn’t keen on entering Bollywood at that time. While the film received mixed reviews, it did decent business at the box office and opened doors for Vijay in the Hindi film industry.
Liger is available for streaming on Disney Plus Hotstar.
Allu Arjun’s choices, while careful and well thought out, led him to miss out on some major films that later shaped the careers of other actors. However, his dedication to picking projects that suit his style has clearly paid off, as his star continues to rise with each new release. His upcoming film Pushpa 2 is eagerly awaited by fans, and only time will tell what other blockbuster hits he will deliver in the future!
