Kerala man dances to drum beats in Gangamma Thalli look to celebrate Allu Arjun's Pushpa 2
A man dressed as Gangamma Thalli with Allu Arjun's Pushpa 2 look went viral on social media, dancing outside a theatre in Thrissur, Kerala.
A video featuring a man dressed as Gangamma Thalli with an Allu Arjun-inspired Pushpa 2: The Rule look painted on his belly has captured the attention of social media. The clip, shared by Mukesh Mohan, a Kerala-based blogger, has already amassed over five million views and continues to captivate viewers online.

(Also read: Man shares ‘brutal’ review of Pushpa 2 that became India's biggest opener shattering box office records)
A vibrant display outside a theatre
The viral video was filmed outside a movie theatre in Thrissur, where the man, dressed in a blue-painted body with his face painted red to embody the Gangamma Thalli look, danced energetically to drum beats. His belly was adorned with a recreation of Allu Arjun’s iconic avatar from Pushpa 2: The Rule, adding to the spectacle. A crowd quickly gathered as the man mimicked the actor’s signature hook step from the blockbuster film. Onlookers were left mesmerised, stopping to take selfies and admire the impromptu performance.
Watch the clip here:
The local artist behind the viral moment
In the comments section, Mukesh revealed that the man in the video is a local artist named Dasan. He shared that Dasan has been donning tiger costumes since he was just 12 years old, and has participated in various promotional activities, both film-related and otherwise.
(Also read: Central London streets turn desi disco as flash mob dances to Allu Arjun’s Pushpa 2 hits)
Pushpa 2's influence and the Gangamma Jathara scene
The buzz surrounding Pushpa 2: The Rule has been undeniable since its release on December 5, with fans celebrating the film's intense and engaging moments. One of the standout sequences from the film is the mesmerising “Gangamma Jathara” scene, where Allu Arjun’s Pushpa Raj dons a saree as part of a ritual, delivering an androgynous performance that is as fierce as it is graceful.
The scene is inspired by the real-life Gangamma Jathara festival in Andhra Pradesh, a vibrant celebration where men dress as women to honour Gangamma Thalli. This tradition, which is believed to bring protection and prosperity, has been captured in the film, honouring the rich customs of the region.
ABOUT THE AUTHORMahipal Singh ChouhanMahipal Singh Chouhan is a Senior Content Producer at Hindustan Times Digital, with nearly five years of experience in digital journalism and content production. His work primarily focuses on offbeat and trending stories that reflect everyday experiences and evolving conversations on the internet. He has consistently worked on transforming viral content and human interest stories into structured news pieces that engage readers while maintaining editorial clarity. At Hindustan Times, Mahipal contributes to identifying and developing stories emerging from social media trends, online communities, and real-world incidents that capture public attention. His approach involves adding context and journalistic perspective to fast-moving digital narratives, helping present viral moments in a clear and reader-friendly format suited for digital audiences. Before joining Hindustan Times Digital, he was associated with DNA India, where he gained experience in newsroom workflows and digital storytelling practices. Mahipal holds a degree in Journalism and Mass Communication from the Vivekananda Institute of Professional Studies, Delhi. He is particularly interested in tracking emerging trends and understanding how online conversations evolve into broader public discussions. His work reflects a focus on accuracy, readability, and relevance in the rapidly changing digital news environment. Outside of his professional responsibilities, Mahipal takes an interest in history and sports and regularly works on improving his general knowledge, which complements his curiosity as a media professional.Read More

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