In a surprising turn of events, Income Tax officials raided the home and office of renowned film director Sukumar on January 22 in Hyderabad. The raid, which lasted several hours, took place in the midst of the director’s massive success with Pushpa 2: The Rule. Reports suggest that Sukumar was at the Hyderabad airport when the officers detained him and took him back to his residence for further questioning. As of now, the exact reasons behind the raid remain unclear, with no official statement from the Income Tax Department.
The raid comes at a time when Sukumar is celebrating the success of his latest film, Pushpa 2: The Rule, starring Allu Arjun and Rashmika Mandanna. The film has earned over ₹1500 crores globally, making it one of the highest-grossing Indian films of 2024. It is speculated that the Income Tax officials may suspect tax evasion, as they are reportedly examining relevant documents.
Interestingly, this raid follows a similar operation on January 21 at the residence of producer Dil Raju, known for his contributions to Telugu cinema. Dil Raju, whose production company, Sri Venkateswara Creations, has financed several successful films, is also under investigation for potential tax-related issues.
Despite these controversies, Pushpa 2 continues to draw audiences to theaters, proving its stronghold at the global box office.