Did Pawan Kalyan just take a dig at Allu Arjun’s Pushpa? 'The one who cuts forests is the hero now'
Pawan Kalyan recent comments have fueled speculation that he was taking a subtle dig at his nephew Allu Arjun's portrayal of a red sandalwood smuggler in the blockbuster Pushpa.
![Pawan Kalyan and Allu Arjun. Pawan Kalyan and Allu Arjun.](https://imagesv2.desimartini.com/images/202408/pawan-kalyan-and-allu-arjun-1723118494.jpeg?width=800&quality=50&format=webp)
Pawan Kalyan and Allu Arjun.
Telugu superstar Pawan Kalyan, who is also the Deputy Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, has made a bold statement on the importance of preserving forests while expressing regret about how modern-day movies are made without any social responsibility.
In a press conference, Pawan expressed his concern about the changing trends in movies and the evolving definition of a 'hero.' "I developed awareness about forests after watching Kannada Kanteerava Dr. Rajkumar's Gandhada Gudi. That film is all about protecting the forest—how a forest officer safeguards the forest from smuggling. I was talking with my colleagues in Aranya Bhavan about how the culture has transformed. Forty years ago, a hero was someone who safeguarded the forest. Today, the hero is the one who cuts down the forest and smuggles. Of course, I am part of the film industry. Many times, I struggle with making such films. Am I sending the right message?" Pawan said while addressing the press in Bengaluru.
Pawan's statement has sparked speculation, considering his alleged rivalry with his nephew and superstar Allu Arjun. Many are wondering whether he made this statement with Allu Arjun's blockbuster Pushpa in mind.
In Pushpa, Allu Arjun plays a notorious smuggler who rises through the ranks of a criminal syndicate that illegally cuts precious red sandalwood and smuggles it to markets across the world.
It's believed that Allu Arjun's relationship with Pawan is strained, and they are not on speaking terms. It's noteworthy that in the run-up to the recent elections in Andhra Pradesh, Allu Arjun was seen openly supporting a candidate from Pawan's rival party.
Pawan's Jana Sena Party registered a historic victory in Andhra Pradesh in alliance with the TDP and the BJP.
Meanwhile, Allu Arjun is busy shooting for Pushpa 2, the much-awaited sequel to Pushpa. The film, which is written and directed by Sukumar, is due in cinemas on December 6.