Dhanush's OM Draws Pushpa Comparisons, Director Responds

Tamil star Dhanush has teamed up with Amaran director Rajkumar Periasamy for a high-profile action drama titled OM. The recently released title glimpse introduced Dhanush as a rugged forest brigand and featured visuals of red sandalwood smuggling, immediately prompting comparisons with Allu Arjun's blockbuster Pushpa franchise among movie buffs.

When questioned about the similarities, Rajkumar Periasamy offered a measured response. “We have only shown a small portion of the film. OM has many layers and elements. Once audiences watch the complete film, everything will make sense. People can interpret the teaser in different ways. We released it to generate curiosity and discussion,” he said.

The director neither confirmed nor dismissed the comparisons, leaving fans intrigued about the film's actual storyline. The speculation has only added to the buzz surrounding the project.

OM boasts a star-studded cast, with Mammootty playing a pivotal role, while Sreeleela and Sai Pallavi feature as the female leads. The film's music is composed by Sai Abhyankkar. OM: Part 1 is scheduled for a grand theatrical release on October 16, 2026.

Dhanush enjoys a strong following in the Telugu market, having scored notable successes with films like Sir and Kuberaa. The makers are expected to target Telugu audiences aggressively with a simultaneous release. However, industry observers feel that if OM turns out to be heavily inspired by Pushpa, comparisons could become inevitable. “Pushpa was a global phenomenon and set a very high benchmark. Any film entering a similar space will have to offer something fresh and distinctive to stand out,” says a trade source.