Allu is the second of three children. His elder brother, Venkatesh, is a businessman, while his younger brother,Sirish, is also an actor. His paternal aunt is Surekha Konidela, the wife of actorChiranjeevi.[23] He is the first cousin of actorRam Charan.[24]
Career beginnings and breakthrough (1985–1986; 2001–2007)
After playing as a child artist inVijetha (1985) and as a dancer inDaddy (2001), he made his adult lead debut inGangotri.[28] The film was directed byK. Raghavendra Rao with his father Allu Aravind producing, along withC. Ashwini Dutt.[29] Praising his acting performance, Jeevi ofIdlebrain criticised his looks in the film and added that "Arjun should choose roles that amplify his strength and nullify his weaknesses."[30] He then appeared inSukumar'sArya.[31] He plays the eponymous lead, an outgoing and free-spirited boy falling in love with Geetha (Anu Mehta), an introverted girl who is on the shield of another person Ajay (Siva Balaji).[32] The film proved to be hisbreakthrough, earning a first nomination for theFilmfare Award for Best Actor – Telugu and won theNandi Special Jury Award and theCineMAA Award for Best Actor (Critics).[33] The film was a critical and commercial success,[34] grossing over ₹30 crore,[35] with a production budget of ₹4 crore.[36] In 2006, the film was dubbed and released inMalayalam inKerala. Owing to the film's success, he received major acclaim across the region and theMalayali people.[37]
He next starred inV. V. Vinayak'sBunny playing the eponymous lead, a college student.[38] Being successful at the box office, critics praised his efforts, mannerisms and dancing.[39][40] His next film wasA. Karunakaran's musical love storyHappy.[41][42] The film did well at the box-office especially in the overseas markets.[43] A critic appreciated his dancing skills and performance, but felt that his character is a typical happy-go-lucky guy.[44]
Experimentation of genres (2007–2010)
He then starred inPuri Jagannadh's action filmDesamuduru in which he played the role of Bala Govindam, a fearless journalist who falls for a woman with a darker past.[45] The film was a commercial success, fetching him aSantosham Film Award, aCineMAA Award and his second nomination for the Filmfare Award for Best Actor – Telugu.[46] His next film wasBhaskar'sParugu, where he played the role of Krishna, a happy-go-lucky man from Hyderabad who helps his friend to elope with his love, only to experience the wrath of the woman's father and the emotional struggle he felt.Idlebrain wrote: "Allu Arjun is pretty excellent in the first half as the characterization in the first half is vibrant and needs loads of energy. He carried the entire first half on his shoulders. He excelled in the emotional scenes in the second half."[47] Writing forRediff.com, Radhikha Rajamani stated that "Arjun performs well though he is rather subdued."[48] Allu Arjun won his first Filmfare Award for Best Actor – Telugu and his second Nandi Special Jury Award.
Allu Arjun next starred in Sukumar'saction comedyArya 2. Aspiritual sequel to the romantic action filmArya (2004), he played the role of Arya, an orphan who is behaviourally sick in that he is consumed with possessiveness for his friend Ajay (Navdeep), who never accepts him. The film revolved around the complexities oflove–hate relationships andlove triangles.[49] His character in the film had shades of grey.[50]Sify wrote that "Allu Arjun is full of energy as the guy caught in the powerful current of love. Though he plays the part with negative shades, his characterization could evoke a lot of sympathy from the audiences. His dances are mind-blowing and he excels in emotional scenes."[51]Oneindia appreciated his dance moves and acting performances, especially the comedy scenes.[52] He received his fourth nomination for the Filmfare Award for Best Actor – Telugu for his performance in the film.
He had two releases in 2010. The first wasGunasekhar'sVarudu, in which he starred alongsideArya andBhanu Sri Mehra.[53] The filmreceived mixed reviews from critics and was a box-office bomb.[54][55] His second release of the year was the highly acclaimedhyperlinkanthology filmVedam. It was his firstA-rated film in India, and the story takes an inspiration from26/11 Mumbai blasts inTaj Mahal Palace Hotel,Mumbai.[56] He played the role of Anand "Cable" Raju, a cable operator hailing fromJubilee Hills (Hyderabad) slum. The film also featuresAnushka Shetty,Manchu Manoj andManoj Bajpayee in other prominent roles.[57] His performance received appreciation from film critics,[58] withThe Times of India calling it "scintillating"[59] andIdlebrain.com calling it as "best in his career".[60] A critic also commented that "He's a good dancer and does justice to his role."[61] Another critic wrote that "Allu Arjun is excellent as the groom who goes all out to get his bride back. His mass dialogues are good in the second half."[62] He achieved his second Filmfare Award for Best Actor – Telugu for the performance in the film.
Further success (2011–2013)
He next appeared in V. V. Vinayak's action filmBadrinath (2011), in which he played the role of Badri, a modern-day Indiansamurai who is assigned to protect theBadrinath Temple by his Guru (Prakash Raj), to whom he is very loyal.[63] Allu Arjun undertook intensive martial arts and sword fighting training inVietnam[64][65] and marks his first pairing withTamannaah.[66] It his secondA-rated film in India afterVedam (2010), on the account of graphic action violence.[67] The film completed a 50-day run in 187cinemas.[68] His performance and character received mixed reviews.[69][70] A critic ofThe Times of India wrote that "Arjun hardly has any scope to emote as he was mostly pushed into action scenes and song sequences."[71]
AfterBadrinath, he signed Trivikram Srinivas'saction comedy filmJulayi in 2011.[72] It was released in 2012, in which he played the role of Ravindra Narayan, a street-smart yet spoilt brat whose life takes a drastic turn after he becomes the witness of a hugebank robbery. A critic wrote that "Allu Arjun puts in a confident performance as the loveable rogue. It's a role that is right up his alley and he carries it off with a characteristic panache. He lights up the screen with his dancing in particular, pulling off some pretty challenging dance moves."[73] Riya Chakravarty ofNDTV, in her review, stated that "Arjun has delivered an outstanding performance."[74] He was nominated for theSIIMA Award for Best Actor – Telugu, for his performance in the film.
The next year, he starred inPuri Jagannadh's action thrillerIddarammayilatho, playing Sanju Reddy, a guitarist with a dark past, alongsideAmala Paul andCatherine Tresa. Sangeetha Devi Dundoo ofThe Hindu praised his performance in the action sequences and dance moves in various songs in the film, adding "Allu Arjun uses his agility to his advantage in dances and stunt episodes".[75] Another critic wrote that "True to his tag of "stylish star", Allu Arjun looks trendier than ever before. His character of a guitarist, who is a street performer in Barcelona, was at its best sketchy, and looks completely different from his previous films. He once again proves that he is a good actor and probably because of the action director's meticulous planning, he makes perfect expressions in all the fight scenes."[76][77] The film marks his second and last collaboration, with Puri Jagannadh afterDesamuduru (2007).
Commercial success (2014–2020)
In 2014, he appeared in acameo role inVamsi Paidipally'saction thriller filmYevadu, alongsideKajal Aggarwal.[78][79] Y. Sunita Chowdary ofThe Hindu, in her review, wrote that "Allu Arjun shows what an actor can do even in a short role, in the few minutes he packs his experience, internalises the character and makes an impressive exit even as he loses his identity."[80] His next film wasSurender Reddy'sRace Gurram, in which he played Allu Lakshman "Lucky" Prasad, a carefree guy.[81] He joined the production of the film in May 2013.[82] The film was successful at the box office, with the film being Allu's first₹100crore grosser.[83] Writing toDeccan Chronicle, Suresh Kavirayani felt that Allu Arjun steals the show with his energetic performance and also praised his dancing skills in the film.[84] Ranjani Rajendra too praised his dance moves, comic acting and performance in the action sequences, but felt that the story is predictable and routine.[85] For his performance, he won his third Filmfare Award for Best Actor – Telugu[86] and was nominated for theSIIMA Award for Best Actor – Telugu for the second time afterJulayi. Allu Arjun produced and acted in ashort filmI Am That Change, which was released in August 2014. The film was directed by Sukumar,[87] to spread awareness on individual social responsibility. Upon its release, the short film received viral response online and was acclaimed by many including celebrities for its concept and execution.[88] It was screened intheaters across Andhra Pradesh andTelangana.[89]
Allu Arjun next appeared in Trivikram Srinivas'sS/O Satyamurthy (2015), which was released on 9 April 2015.[90] The film was a commercial success, with critics praising his performance.[91][92] His performance in the film earned him his seventh nomination for the Filmfare Award for Best Actor – Telugu. Following the film, he next playedGona Ganna Reddy inGuna Sekhar'sbiographicalaction filmRudhramadevi (2015).[93][better source needed] The film based on the life ofRudrama Devi, is the first Indian3Dhistorical film.[94][95] He has learned and was seen speaking in theTelangana Telugu, for the character in the film.[96]The Times of India called his performance "impeccable" and "whistle-worthy".[97] Due to the wide response and popularity for the character Gona Ganna Reddy, in 2021 director Guna Sekhar said that he will be directing a film solely based on the character, with Allu Arjun in the lead role, afterShaakuntalam.[98] ForRudhramadevi, he won theFilmfare Award for Best Supporting Actor – Telugu and became the only actor to win both the Filmfare Award for Best Actor – Telugu and the Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actor – Telugu. He also won three other awards for his performance, includingNandi Award for Best Character Actor.
In 2016, he acted inSarrainodu, directed byBoyapati Srinu.[99] Although the film received negative reviews for the screenplay and story,[100][101] it was a major commercial success at the box office, grossing over ₹127.6 crore.[102] Allu Arjun called it as a "landmark film" in his career.[103] His performance in the action scenes and dance numbers was praised.[104] HIs performance in the film won him theFilmfare Critics Award for Best Actor – Telugu, in addition to his eighth nomination for the Filmfare Award for Best Actor – Telugu. The same year, in June, he announced his next film with producerDil Raju for the third time forDJ: Duvvada Jagannadham. Released in 2017,[105] the film directed byHarish Shankar,[106] in which he played the role of Duvvada Jagannadham "DJ" Shastri, alongsidePooja Hegde,Rao Ramesh andSubbaraju.[107] He appears as acaterer, who is anundercover cop.Firstpost's Hemanth Kumar praised his dance and wrote that "look beyond Allu Arjun's classy moves in Seeti Maar and Asmaika Yoga, all you find is a story that struggles to find its rhythm."[108]India Today too lauded his dance but criticised the film's screenplay and called it "Boring-ah, bore-asya, bore-obiah".[109]
The next year, in May, his film under the direction of writer turned directorVakkantham Vamsi,Naa Peru Surya was released. He played Surya, an Indian Army soldier who hasanger management issues.[110] Allu Arjun spent considerable time learning the tricks and stunt sequences from professionals, especially for the dance numbers and action sequences.[111] Upon release, the film received mixed reviews and was successful at the box office. A critic called his performance as Allu Arjun's "career-best" and cited it as the "biggest strength to the film".[112] Vyas ofThe Hans India stated that "Allu Arjun is supremely talented and has delivered an energetic performance in the movie."[113]Hindustan Times's Priyanka Sundar opined that "Allu Arjun tries to do his best in the shoes of a soldier, but at places we see that it looks forced."[114]
In December 2018, his next projectAla Vaikunthapurramuloo was announced, with Trivikram Srinivas as the director.[115]Pooja Hegde was selected to play the female lead role,[116] thus marking his second collaboration with Hegde afterDJ: Duvvada Jagannadham.[117] He joined the production of the film in April 2019.[118] Produced jointly by Allu Aravind andS. Radha Krishna, the film marks the third collaboration of Allu Arjun andTrivikram afterJulayi (2012) andS/O Satyamurthy (2015).[119] The film was released in January 2020.[120] Allu Arjun's performance received highly positive reviews. A review posted by Rohit Mohan onKoimoi said that "Be it comedy, action, emotions, style and of course dance, the star actor nails it in the film, as 'Bunny' made to audience groove to his tunes with his act."[121]Film Companion felt that Allu Arjun's performance in the board-room scene was the highlight of the film.[122] Bhavana Sharma ofInternational Business Times, opined that Allu Arjun went into the skin of the character.[123] The film his career's highest grosser and stands among thehighest-grossing Telugu films. Allu Arjun's dance performance in the song "Butta Bomma" received wide response.[124]
Pushpa and beyond (2021–present)
In 2021, he re-united with Sukumar, after nearly a decade, forPushpa: The Rise.[125] The film is based on thered sanders smuggling in theSeshachalam Hills inAndhra Pradesh and Allu Arjun plays Pushpa Raj, acoolie-turned-smuggler, alongsideFahadh Faasil andRashmika Mandanna.[126] The film was released in December 2021 to mixed reviews but his performance was praised.[127] A reviewer fromThe Indian Express wrote, "Allu Arjun walks away with the film with his strong performance. He embraces his deglamorized look and delivers a memorable performance."[128]The Times of India critic Neeshita Nyayapati stated: "Pushpa: The Rise is Allu Arjun's show all the way. He shines in playing this rustic character that is hard on the surface but vulnerable in ways that others don't see."[129] The film proved to be a major commercial success, grossing over₹350 crore and emerged as thehighest grossing Indian film in 2021.[130] He won his fourth Filmfare Award for Best Actor – Telugu alongsideNational Film Award for Best Actor for his performance, of which the latter became a first for aTelugu film actor.[131][132][133] Allu Arjun's performance along with one of the dialogues from the film, "Thaggede Le" achieved the cult status and made a huge impact in the Indianpop culture scene.[134][135] A sequel titledPushpa 2: The Rule[136] was released on 5 December 2024.[137]The film proved to be a massive success at the box office, breaking several records. The film earned more than ₹1500 crore and became the thirdhighest grossing Indian film ever.[138]
Other work and media image
His popularity was documented in two Telugumusic videos. The first one is a rap song, composed byS. Thaman and performed byRoll Rida and Harika Narayan with the lyrics written by Roll Rida and The Hyderabad Nawabs.[139][140] The music video titled "Allu Arjun Rap Song" was released in January 2021, throughAditya Music label.[141][142] The other one is titled "Thaggedhe Le" was performed and written by Roll Rida, with the music composed by Pravin Lakkaraju. It was released in April 2021 with the title being adapted from Allu Arjun's popular dialogue from his filmPushpa: The Rise.[143][144]
Allu Arjun was featured in theGQ in their listing of the most influential young Indians of 2020.[145] He is the 'Most Searched Male Celebrity' in 2020 onYahoo! India.[146][147] Allu Arjun was the most searched Telugu film actor onGoogle Search, for several times.[148][149] Arjun became the 19th most searched Asian on Google Mid Year 2022.[150] As of August 2024, he is one of the most-followed Telugu actors onInstagram.[151][152]
He is referred to as "Icon Star", or as "Bunny", in the media.[153][154] Post the continuous success of his films inKerala, sinceArya (2004), he has been called as "Mallu Arjun".[155][156] Even, themedia in Kerala, mostly refers him with the same name.[157] In 2021, theKerala Police used few scenes featuring him from the filmRace Gurram (2014), in their advertisement, to raise awareness about SOS and promote their newly launchedapp.[158][159][160]
Allu Arjun is also acharcoal artist.[170] He started a campaign against thesmoking of tobacco, in 2021. He said that "I wanted to draw people's attention towards the ill-effects of smoking. We have constructed very incorrect notions of what's cool and hep. I want to effect a change, no matter how small it is."[171] In 2021, Allu Arjun became the brand ambassador ofSri Chaitanya Educational Institutions.[172]
On 30 November 2024, aFIR was filed against Allu Arjun by Srinivas Goud for his comments during the Mumbai press event, where Allu referred to his fans as an "army." Goud found this comparison disrespectful, arguing that using the term "army" in this context belittles the sacrifices made by the armed forces.[183][184]
On 4 December 2024, a woman died and her young son was critically injured after a stampede occurred during the screening ofPushpa 2: The Rule at the Sandhya cinema hall inRTC X Roads, Hyderabad.[185] A case was later filed under various sections of theBharatiya Nyaya Sanhita on the film's unit, Allu Arjun, the owner of the cinema hall and Arjun's security team.[186][187] Allu was arrested by theHyderabad City Police on 13 December 2024 over the said charges.[188] However, a few hours later he was granted an interim bail by theTelangana High Court.[189]
