Actor Jagadeesh Prathap Bandari, known for his role of ‘Kesava’ in Allu Arjun’s “Pushpa: The Rise,” was granted bail recently after being arrested in December 2023 for alleged abetment of suicide. His absence from filming caused delays in the production of “Pushpa: The Rule” (Pushpa 2).
Reports suggest the film’s team facilitated Bandari’s bail, possibly contributing to the bail amount, to ensure his return to shooting his key role as Kesava, Pushpa’s right-hand man. While initial attempts to utilize a body double proved unsuccessful, Bandari’s presence is considered crucial for the film’s continuity and narrative.
However, it’s important to note that the legal proceedings against Bandari are ongoing. The court granted him bail based on specific conditions, and the charges he faces haven’t been dismissed.
The development marks an unusual instance in Telugu cinema, with the film’s production reportedly taking such measures to secure an actor’s involvement while legal matters remain unresolved. The ethical implications of this approach are likely to spark discussions within the industry.