The Income Tax department has expanded its investigation to include Pushpa 2: The Rule director Sukumar, following raids on the properties of several producers linked to the film industry. The operation was reported to have started early Wednesday morning, lasting several hours. According to Sakshi Post, IT officials escorted Sukumar directly from the airport to his residence, though the reasons for the raid have not yet been disclosed as the department has not issued an official statement.
Sukumar, who recently directed Pushpa 2: The Rule featuring Allu Arjun, Rashmika Mandanna, and Fahadh Faasil, is now under the scrutiny of tax authorities. The connection between the raid and the film’s financials remains unclear, and further details are awaited.
In parallel, raids have been conducted on the homes and offices of producers Dil Raju of Sri Venkateswara Creations, Ravi Shankar, and Naveen Yerneni of Mythri Movie Makers. Reports indicate that Raju’s wife, Tejaswini, was approached by IT officials while at a bank in Hyderabad, where they requested their financial statements. A digital marketing company associated with the producers is also reportedly under investigation.
Sukumar’s career spans from his early days as a lecturer in mathematics and physics to his success as a director. After making his debut with Arya in 2004, Sukumar became known for films like 100% Love, 1: Nenokkadine, Nannaku Prematho, and Rangasthalam. His recent projects, Pushpa: The Rise and Pushpa 2: The Rule, have dominated his schedule since 2018. Additionally, Sukumar is set to direct a film starring Ram Charan, their second collaboration after Rangasthalam, though the project has not yet commenced production.