Pushpa 2 The Rule Director Sukumar Under Income Tax Department's Scrutiny: Report

Sukumar Under IT Department Scrutiny: In a new twist to the ongoing Income Tax (IT) investigations in the Telugu film industry, Sukumar, the director behind the blockbuster Pushpa series, has come under the scanner of the IT department. Reports surfaced on Wednesday indicating that the department conducted raids at properties linked to Sukumar. The raids, which began early in the morning, reportedly continued for several hours.

According to sources cited by Sakshi Post, Sukumar, who recently helmed Pushpa 2: The Rule, was reportedly escorted by IT officials from the airport to his residence as part of the ongoing investigation. While the precise details of the raid remain unclear, as the IT department has not issued an official statement, the news has sparked significant interest, particularly given Sukumar's pivotal role in the phenomenal success of the Pushpa franchise.

The raids on Sukumar's properties follow similar actions targeting other prominent film producers in the industry. Notably, producers Dil Raju, Ravi Shankar, and Naveen Yerneni were also scrutinized by the IT department, with raids conducted at their homes and offices. Dil Raju, head of Sri Venkateswara Creations and chairman of the Telangana Film Federation Development Corporation, was reportedly approached by IT officials for financial records. Raju's wife, Tejaswini, spoke to the press on Tuesday, revealing that the IT Department had requested their financial statements when she was seen at a bank in Hyderabad. Additionally, a digital marketing company connected to the film industry is said to be under investigation.

Sukumar's Career

Sukumar, who made his directorial debut with the 2004 hit Arya, has enjoyed considerable success throughout his career. His notable works include Arya 2 (2009), 100% Love (2011), 1: Nenokkadine (2014), Nannaku Prematho (2016), Rangasthalam (2018), Pushpa: The Rise (2021), and Pushpa 2: The Rule (2024). His 2018 film Rangasthalam was one of the highest-grossing Telugu films at the time, and the Pushpa franchise has continued to dominate the box office, with the first film becoming the highest-grossing Indian film of 2021 and the sequel, Pushpa 2, breaking records as one of the highest-grossing Indian films of all time.

As of now, it remains to be seen whether the recent raids have any connection to the finances of Pushpa 2: The Rule or the financial dealings of Sukumar's film production collaborations. The IT department has yet to confirm the reasons behind the ongoing investigations, leaving the industry and fans speculating about the implications of these actions.