Varun Dhawan’s upcoming mass-action film Baby John is set for a Christmas release, and discussions about its box office clash with Allu Arjun’s Pushpa 2 are already making headlines. However, director Atlee dismissed any notion of a “clash,” stating that the two films are strategically timed to avoid competition while maintaining camaraderie within the film industry.
Speaking at a press conference in Mumbai, Atlee said, “Me and Allu Arjun sir are very good friends. Baby John will release in the fourth week of December, not directly alongside Pushpa 2. This is a professional ecosystem, and we plan things accordingly. There’s no conflict here.” He added that Allu Arjun called him and Varun Dhawan to congratulate them on their film’s trailer, reinforcing the sense of unity within the industry.
Pushpa 2, which shifted its release from August to December, has already shattered several box office records, including those set by Shah Rukh Khan’s Jawan and Pathaan, as well as Sunny Deol’s Gadar 2. The film is inching closer to the ₹1,000 crore mark in domestic earnings, while the Hindi version alone has grossed over ₹600 crore within 14 days of release.
Meanwhile, Baby John features a star-studded cast, including Varun Dhawan, Keerthy Suresh, Wamiqa Gabbi, Jackie Shroff, and Rajpal Yadav. A remake of Vijay’s Tamil blockbuster Theri, the film is directed by Atlee and produced by Priya Atlee, Murad Khetani, and Jyoti Deshpande. Atlee emphasized that both films cater to different audiences, and the industry is about fostering mutual respect and growth.
With Baby John slated to hit theaters on December 25, Atlee expressed confidence in its reception, despite Pushpa 2’s ongoing domination. “This is an industry where we celebrate each other’s success,” Atlee concluded.
