Hyderabad is buzzing with an unprecedented storm, and at its eye is none other than visionary director Sukumar. The man behind the pan-India phenomenon *Pushpa 2: The Rule* has sent shockwaves through the industry with his candid declaration of wanting to "quit cinema". This bombshell statement, initially made during a promotional event for Ram Charan's upcoming *Game Changer* in December 2024, has refused to die down, sparking intense debate and speculation across social media and within film circles as of January 2026.
Sources close to the director suggest that his startling remarks stem from an accumulation of immense pressure and alleged behind-the-scenes drama, primarily during the tumultuous production and release of *Pushpa 2*. While the film shattered box office records, its success was tragically marred by a stampede incident at its Hyderabad premiere, which resulted in a fatality and the brief arrest of lead actor Allu Arjun. This incident, along with the intense scrutiny and legal troubles that followed, is believed to have deeply affected Sukumar.
However, the plot thickens with rampant fan theories and industry whispers pointing to alleged interference from the "Pushpa team," particularly Icon Star Allu Arjun. Social media is ablaze with netizens claiming that Sukumar has been a "disturbed man for one or more years" and is "clearly unhappy with the way AA & team interfered in Pushpa making and everything". These unconfirmed reports suggest creative differences and external pressures might have pushed the usually composed director to his breaking point. One fan on X (formerly Twitter) commented, "It clearly resembles how much torture he faced in making his recent movie that released in December 2024… All the best for your next movie Sukku sir".
The dramatic moment where Sukumar made his declaration, caught on video, shows a visibly stunned Ram Charan immediately taking the microphone, urging the director to reconsider and playfully dismissing the comment. Charan's quick reaction has been widely praised by fans, with one user remarking, "Charan is gold. He is so close with Sukumar and pumping up his confidence and backing him. something happened during Pushpa 2". This public display of support only fueled further speculation about the true extent of the issues Sukumar might be facing.
Despite his public pronouncements, Sukumar remains one of the most sought-after directors in Telugu cinema. He has massive projects lined up, including the highly anticipated *RC 17* with Ram Charan, which is slated to go on floors in July 2026. Furthermore, pre-production for *Pushpa 3: The Rampage*, starring Allu Arjun, has reportedly begun, with a projected 2028 release. These commitments make his desire to "quit cinema" all the more perplexing and concerning for his legion of fans and the industry at large.
The internet is divided, with some fans understanding his potential frustrations given the immense pressure of filmmaking, while others are furious, demanding answers and urging him to stay. The question remains: Will Sukumar truly step away from the craft he revolutionized, or is this a dramatic cry for change in an industry often plagued by unseen battles? LagerCinema will keep a close watch on this unfolding story.
