Allu Arjun was criticized by social media users after sharing an Independence Day post that appeared to show the Indian national flag without the Ashoka Chakra. The artwork also showed the actor's name and logo next to an illustration of the Red Fort, and users on X, formerly Twitter, said the design was poor.
The post was quickly deleted, but screenshots continued to be distributed online.
Allu Arjun deleted his Independence Day post
The Independence Day graphic featured the words “HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY”, and an illustration of the Red Fort and the Indian tricolour.
As soon as the post appeared online, social media users pointed out that the flag depicted in the artwork appeared to be missing the navy-blue Ashoka Chakra, which is located at the centre of India's national flag.
The omission opened a debate on users' platforms, and some called it inappropriate for an Independence Day greeting.
One user commented on the apparent lack of knowledge, and another argued that the national flag should include the Ashoka Chakra.
Some users also questioned why Allu Arjun's name and branding appeared over the Red Fort illustration.
Social media users question the artwork
The criticism was focused on two aspects of the graphic: the apparent absence of the Ashoka Chakra and the actor's branding on an illustration featuring the Red Fort.
Some users questioned why the actor’s name had been placed on the monument, while others criticized the artwork for not accurately representing the Indian national flag.
The post was removed from Allu Arjun's social media account. But screenshots were already taken and then shared on various platforms.
Allu Arjun supporters defend Allu Arjun
Not everyone agreed that the incident warranted criticism.
Some social media users suggested that the missing Ashoka Chakra could have simply been a design or editing error on the part of the actor's creative team and not a conscious mistake.
One user pointed out that an Ashoka Chakra appeared elsewhere in the artwork and said that people should not make the issue bigger than it was.
Others argued that celebrities often rely on social media teams to create festival and national-day graphics, so the design error may not necessarily have been made by Allu Arjun personally.
The actor has not publicly addressed the criticism or explained why the post was first shared and subsequently deleted.
What is the Ashoka Chakra?
The Ashoka Chakra is the navy-blue wheel at the centre of India's national flag. It has 24 spokes and represents the eternal wheel of law and dharma.
The Ashoka Chakra is an integral part of the national flag in India's flag. That’s why its absence in a graphic representing the tricolour on Independence Day attracted attention.
Whether it was a stylised illustration or design oversight, it turned out to be the main focus of criticism online.
Allu Arjun's next film is Raaka
Allu Arjun is busy with his upcoming sci-fi action film Raaka, directed by Atlee.
The project was previously referred to as AA22xA6, before its official title was revealed as Raaka. Deepika Padukone plays the female lead, and Janhvi Kapoor and Rashmika Mandanna are also present.
The movie has already received considerable attention since Allu Arjun’s first look. The actor was seen in a totally new, bald, and animal-like avatar that’s far from his previous screen appearances.
Allu Arjun and Atlee unveiled the title and the first look in April 2026, so there was a lot of anticipation around the project.
Production continues
Raaka remains in production with some delays in the shooting schedule.
Rashmika Mandanna's injury has affected filming plans, which are expected to resume around September or October. Deepika Padukone is expecting her second child with actor Ranveer Singh and has continued shooting her parts.
As the anticipation for Raaka is building, the Independence Day social media controversy has added another topic of discussion with Allu Arjun, even though the actor has not commented on it himself.
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