Hyderabad: Income Tax (IT) raids were conducted on Sukumar, the director of the hit film Pushpa 2: The Rule, along with the offices and homes of its producers Ravi Shankar and Naveen Yerneni. The raids, which began early on Wednesday morning, were reportedly part of a larger investigation involving several key figures connected to the Pushpa franchise.
Sukumar’s Properties Raided
The IT Department allegedly escorted Sukumar directly from the airport to his residence, where the raids were conducted. However, the specific reasons for the raids remain unclear, as the officials have not released a statement. It remains uncertain whether the raids are related to the finances of the Pushpa films or other matters. Sukumar recently directed Pushpa 2: The Rule, starring Allu Arjun, Rashmika Mandanna, and Fahadh Faasil, following the immense success of its predecessor, Pushpa: The Rise (2021).
Producers Under IT Scanner
The IT raids also extended to the offices and residences of Ravi Shankar and Naveen Yerneni, the producers of the Pushpa franchise, along with Dil Raju, the producer of Game Changer. According to reports, Tejaswini, the wife of Ravi Shankar, was asked for their financial statements by the IT officials when she was seen at a bank in Hyderabad. The department has also been investigating a digital marketing company connected to these individuals.
About Sukumar’s Career
Sukumar, a former mathematics and physics lecturer, rose to fame in the film industry after his successful debut with Arya (2004), which starred Allu Arjun. The film’s massive success propelled him into the limelight, and he went on to direct several notable films, including 100% Love, 1: Nenokkadine, Nannaku Prematho, and Rangasthalam. Since 2018, Sukumar has been fully focused on the Pushpa franchise, with the sequel, Pushpa 2: The Rule (2025), keeping him busy. He is also set to direct a film starring Ram Charan, their second collaboration after Rangasthalam.
Conclusion
The Income Tax raids on Sukumar and his colleagues add a layer of intrigue to the growing success of the Pushpa franchise. As the investigation unfolds, it remains to be seen whether the raids are related to the film’s finances or other financial matters.
