Actress Rashmika Mandanna called Srivalli, her character from Allu Arjun’s Pushpa 2: The Rule, her “second identity” in a note accompanying fresh behind-the-scenes pictures and videos from the sets of the Sukumar directorial.
“Portraying Srivalli the way you’ve loved her has been so special to me. She has become my second identity; someone I am incredibly proud of. Srivalli has shaped my journey, bringing me to where I am today, and for that, I owe my everything to @aryasukku sir - he is a genius that has made all of this possible,” wrote Rashmika on Instagram on Sunday, alongside photos and videos which also feature Allu Arjun and Sukumar.
The photos show Rashmika posing in saris and heavy gold jewellery. In one of the pictures, she is seen catching a quick nap on the set of the film. Another video shows her getting last-minute touches on her makeup. A short clip captures Rashmika going through the film’s script.
In one of the videos, the actress converses with Allu, while in another, she embraces Sukumar, who seemingly appreciates her performance in a sequence of the actioner.
Pushpa 2 is the sequel to Allu Arjun’s 2021 blockbuster, Pushpa 1: The Rise. In the film, Rashmika reprises her role as Pushpa Raj’s wife, Srivalli. Elaborating on her experience of returning to the screen as Srivalli, Rashmika wrote, “It’s been quite some time since I've been in the skin of Srivalli. And today, seeing all of you embrace what she stands for, fights for, and believes in, feels surreal. It’s like you’re experiencing Pushpa through Srivalli’s eyes, and that fills me with so much joy.”
Lauding her co-star Allu, who plays the titular role in the film, Rashmika affirmed, “Srivalli wouldn’t exist without Pushpa. She is who she is because of Pushpa, and for that, I thank @alluarjunonline sir from the bottom of my heart. Always.”
“To me, Srivalli isn’t just a character; she feels real, someone I will always hold close to my heart. Forever grateful for her,” she signed off, underlining how deeply the character of Srivalli resonates with her.
Also starring Fahadh Faasil, Pushpa 2 follows sandalwood smuggler Pushpa Raj’s exploits after he gains control of the racket. The film has minted over Rs 800 crore gross worldwide in just four days.
On the work front, Rashmika has A.R. Murugadoss’ Sikandar and Sekhar Kammula’s Kubera in the pipeline.