Nawab Pre Release Event LIVE || || Mani Ratnam

With Rashmika Mandanna’s popularity soaring across the country, Pushpa franchise director Sukumar has reportedly decided to significantly expand her role in the third installment of the blockbuster series.

According to industry sources, the decision was taken some time ago and reflects the steady evolution of her character across the franchise. “If one closely observes, Rashmika’s role in Pushpa: The Rule was already more substantial than in Pushpa: The Rise. Now, with her growing pan-India appeal in both Telugu and Hindi markets—especially after her impressive performance in Rahul Ravindran’s The Girlfriend—her screen space in Pushpa 3 has increased considerably,” a source revealed.

The source further added that in Pushpa 3, Rashmika’s character will be on par with Allu Arjun’s, making her role one of the central pillars of the narrative rather than a supporting presence.

This development is expected to add greater emotional depth and balance to the third part, while also capitalising on Rashmika Mandanna’s strong fan base and rising stature as a pan-Indian star.