Australian cricketer David Warner has once again delighted fans by channeling his inner Pushpa Raj in a new advertisement, earning praise from the original Pushpa star, Allu Arjun. Warner’s portrayal in the ad, where he promotes India’s first-ever mattress temperature controller for Wakefit, features him emulating the famous character from the Pushpa franchise.
Warner, who is known for his playful nature on social media, shared the ad on his Instagram handle, showcasing his rendition of Pushpa Raj complete with the character’s iconic hand gesture. This performance drew reactions from fans and Allu Arjun alike. Arjun expressed his amusement and approval by commenting with laughing, fire, and thumbs-up emojis.
The admiration between the two stars has been ongoing. Earlier this year, Warner expressed his excitement for the teaser of “Pushpa 2: The Rule,” starring Allu Arjun and Rashmika Mandanna. Warner has previously superimposed his face on Arjun’s in scenes from “Pushpa: The Rise,” and even performed the character’s famous “Thaggede Le” gesture on the cricket field.
Fans were quick to respond to Warner’s latest ad, with comments like “He is not Australian” and “Born in Australia by mistake,” playfully suggesting Warner’s deep connection to Indian culture. One fan even dubbed him ‘Devendra Varma,’ highlighting his seamless integration into the Pushpa persona.
The upcoming film, “Pushpa 2: The Rule,” directed by Sukumar, will see Allu Arjun and Rashmika Mandanna reprising their roles as Pushpa Raj and Srivalli. The sequel to the 2021 hit “Pushpa: The Rise” will delve into a power struggle within the smuggling underworld, with Fahadh Faasil returning as the formidable police officer Bhanwar Singh Shekhawat. The film is set for a grand theatrical release on August 15, 2024.
Warner’s continued homage to Pushpa Raj underscores the cultural crossover between cinema and sports, delighting fans and fostering a unique connection across different fields and nations.