Samantha says she was hooked to Allu Arjun's performance in Pushpa: The Rise

Allu Arjun’s latest release Pushpa: The Rise (2021) has opened to phenomenal numbers at the box office. Actress Samantha in her latest Instagram post is all praise for the star's performance. She said it kept her hooked every second of the film.

Pushpa, which is set against the backdrop of red sandalwood smuggling, features Arjun as a lorry driver-cum-smuggler. The film has been directed by Sukumar and released in Telugu, Tamil, Hindi, Kannada and Malayalam.

Calling it an appreciation post on Allu Arjun, Samantha wrote: “A performance that just keeps you hooked. Every second was. I am always inspired when an actor is just so good that it is impossible to look away. Allu Arjun was that for me in Pushpa. From the accent to the one side drooping shoulder and that god damn SWAG. Phew... absolutely stunning... truly inspired.”

Arjun thanked Samantha for her heartfelt compliments and wrote that he was touched.

The film grossed over Rs100 crore in just two days in theatres. Despite mixed reviews, Pushpa has been received very well by viewers and set the Southern box office on fire.

On Sunday, it was revealed by the makers that the film grossed Rs116 crore worldwide in just two days.

Meanwhile, the makers have confirmed that the second part will be released in cinemas in December next year. Titled Pushpa: The Rule, it will focus on the face-off between Pushparaj (Allu Arjun) and Fahadh Faasil's character who is introduced as the prime antagonist towards the end of the first part.

Produced by Mythri Movie Makers, the film has music by Devi Sri Prasad. The film also features Rashmika Mandanna and Sunil in key roles.