“Pushpa 2” has received a strong response on social media, with viewers praising performances by Allu Arjun and Fahadh Faasil. One scene, where Allu Arjun portrays Goddess Gangamma during the Jatara, has especially caught attention, becoming a fan favorite.
According to a report by Indian Express, the particular scene was removed by the Saudi Arabia censor board. The 19-minute sequence features Allu Arjun dressed as Gangamma, an important ritual in the annual Gangamma Jatara festival celebrated in Tirupati.
The festival honors Goddess Gangamma, believed to be the younger sister of Lord Venkateswara. Traditionally, men participate by dressing as women, a practice known as Perantalu Vesham.
In the film, Allu Arjun partakes in these rituals, donning a blue saree and a garland of lemons. Despite its popularity, the Saudi censor board objected to the portrayal of Allu Arjun as a goddess and the film’s extensive references to Hindu deities, leading to the scene’s removal.
This follows previous censorship actions in Saudi Arabia against films with similar religious references or themes, such as Singham Again and Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3.
