The Pushpa movies, starring Allu Arjun, have captivated audiences with their mix of high-octane action, intense drama, and mass appeal. Set against the backdrop of red sandalwood smuggling, Pushpa: The Rise (2021) and its sequel Pushpa: The Rule (2024) introduced audiences to an electrifying protagonist who fights his way up from being a low-level laborer to a feared underworld figure.
With its stylized action, gripping storytelling, and memorable dialogues, the Pushpa franchise has cemented itself as a modern action classic in Indian cinema. If you love rugged antiheroes, action-packed narratives, and larger-than-life storytelling, here are 10 movies that capture a similar essence.
K.G.F: Chapter 1 (2018)
The K.G.F films, much like Pushpa, follow the rise of a fearless, rebellious hero from humble beginnings to criminal supremacy. In this first chapter, Yash’s portrayal of Rocky, a gold mine mafia kingpin, is as intense and charismatic as Allu Arjun’s Pushpa Raj, making this Kannada-language epic a must-watch.
Vikram (2022)
Kamal Haasan’s Vikram blends brutal action and a gripping crime saga, much like Pushpa: The Rise. With a stellar cast including Vijay Sethupathi and Fahadh Faasil (who also stars in Pushpa), this Tamil film offers hard-hitting action sequences and a battle between law enforcement and a powerful crime syndicate.
Nayakan (1987)
A timeless Tamil classic, Nayakan, directed by Mani Ratnam, tells the story of a man rising through the ranks of the underworld while fighting against systemic oppression. Like Pushpa, it showcases an antihero’s journey with deep emotional stakes and a raw, gritty aesthetic.
Raees (2017)
Shah Rukh Khan’s Raees follows the rise of a smuggler-turned-powerful figure in Gujarat’s crime world. With a mix of action, drama, and mass appeal, Raees shares Pushpa’s essence of a protagonist challenging the system and rising against all odds.
Kaithi (2019)
This Tamil action thriller, starring Karthi, takes place over a single night and features edge-of-the-seat action sequences. Like Pushpa, it thrives on raw intensity, emotional depth, and a hero fighting against powerful enemies.
Mirchi (2013)
Prabhas’ Mirchi delivers a blend of family drama and high-energy action, akin to Pushpa. It features a rugged protagonist, intense fight sequences, and a compelling underdog story, making it a must-watch for fans of mass entertainers.
Rangasthalam (2018)
Ram Charan’s Rangasthalam is another mass-action epic featuring a protagonist who takes on corrupt forces in a rural setting. With its rustic setting, powerful performances, and a hero’s relentless rise to power, it shares Pushpa's spirit of rebellion.
Asuran (2019)
Dhanush’s Asuran, directed by Vetrimaaran, is an intense rural action drama about a man protecting his family against powerful oppressors. Like Pushpa, it captures themes of power struggles, class conflicts, and survival in a brutal world.
Singam (2010)
Suriya’s Singam is an electrifying cop thriller, featuring a larger-than-life protagonist battling powerful criminals. If you enjoyed the intensity and attitude of Pushpa Raj, you’ll love Durai Singam’s unstoppable energy and action-packed journey.
Billa (2007)
Ajith’s Billa offers stylized action, a charismatic antihero, and a crime-infused plot, making it a solid watch for Pushpa fans who love power struggles, smuggling empires, and intense performances.
Where to watch the best movies like Pushpa streaming online in India
Check out JustWatch’s guide below to see where to stream the best movies like the Pushpa franchise online in India. We also offer to buy, rent, or watch these movies for free (if available). Whether you’re drawn to mass action entertainers, crime dramas, or tales of rebellion, these movies will keep you hooked now that both Pushpa: The Rise and Pushpa: The Rule are out on streaming services.
