Sydney, June 14, 2024. In a delightful crossover between cricket and cinema, Australian international David Warner has once again charmed netizens with his portrayal of ‘Pushpa Raj,’ the eponymous character from the 2021 blockbuster Telugu film Pushpa: The Rise. Warner’s latest Instagram post, where he donned the iconic character’s look and lip-synced to a famous dialogue, was part of an advertisement for India’s first-ever mattress temperature controller by Wakefit.
Warner, known for his love of South Indian cinema, took social media by storm with this portrayal. In the advert, he dressed exactly like Pushpa Raj and showcased the character’s famous hand gestures. His caption, “David naam sunn ke tourist samjha kya, mate? Fire hai main,” drew widespread attention, including a response from Allu Arjun, the actor who originally played Pushpa Raj.
Actor Allu Arjun responded to Warner’s post with laughing, thumbs up, and fire emojis, highlighting his amusement and approval. Fans were equally enthusiastic, with one user commenting, “He is not Australian,” while another wrote, “Born in Australia by mistake…” Another fan humorously dubbed Warner as ‘Devendra Varma,’ underscoring the global appeal of Indian cinema.
Warner’s fascination with the Pushpa franchise is well-known. He previously celebrated an IPL century using Pushpa’s iconic hand gestures and has often shared reels dancing to South Indian songs. In a previous video, Warner superimposed his face on Arjun’s during a scene from Pushpa: The Rise, which also received much appreciation.
The Pushpa franchise continues to captivate audiences, with the upcoming sequel, Pushpa 2: The Rule, set to release on August 15. The film, directed by Sukumar and produced by Mythri Movie Makers, will see Allu Arjun and Rashmika Mandanna reprising their roles as Pushpa Raj and Srivalli.
Key Points:
- David Warner portrayed ‘Pushpa Raj’ in an ad for Wakefit’s mattress temperature controller.
- His Instagram post featuring the portrayal garnered widespread attention, including a response from Allu Arjun.
- Fans reacted enthusiastically, showcasing Warner’s popularity and the influence of Indian cinema.
- The sequel Pushpa 2: The Rule is set to release on August 15.
Warner’s continued engagement with Indian cinema, especially the Pushpa franchise, highlights the cultural exchange between Australia and India, bringing fans from both countries closer through a shared love of film and cricket.
