Sukumar has been a hit machine for Allu Arjun. Their three collaborations so far have been most memorable.

On May 7, their first outing 'Arya' turned 18. Released in 2004, the Summer blockbuster transformed the 'Gangotri' Arjun into the 'Arya' Bunny. That was 18 years ago. To this date, their streak of churning out successful movies continues.

In 2009, 'Arya 2' was another jaunty outing. It was a thoughtful outing that had better dances from its hero. While it was a little broody unlike 'Arya', the film's jukebox is still remembered as one of the best albums to have come from the Devi Sri Prasad-Sukumar-Bunny trio.

Their third collaboration, 'Pushpa', was released in 2021 and became a sensational pan-Indian hit. The director-actor duo's 'Pushpa 2' will go on the floors in June or so this year.

Last year, Allu Arjun got emotional and said that he owes his career to his grandfather, his parents for giving him birth, and to director Sukumar. "Three or four years after 'Arya' hit the screens, I bought an SUV costing Rs 85 lakh. When I laid my hands on the steering, I asked myself to whom I owed the luxury car. The image that popped up in my mind was that of Sukumar. Without him, I wouldn't be here," Bunny said, getting teary-eyed. As he completed the sentence, Sukumar, too, got emotional and cried.