The mention of red sandalwood instantly brings to mind Pushpa Raj, the iconic character played by Allu Arjun. After the pandemic, South Indian films gained immense popularity in India, and one such film that released in December 2021 was ‘Pushpa: The Rise.’ The movie, starring Allu Arjun and Rashmika Mandanna, captivated audiences and became the biggest hit of the year, earning the highest revenue in the Telugu film industry.
With a production cost of ₹250 crores, the film proved to be a massive success. By the end of the film, fans eagerly awaited the fate of SP Bhawar Singh Shekhawat (Fahadh Faasil), who promised to return in ‘Pushpa Part 2.’ After a long three-year wait, the film’s producer Sukumar made his comeback and ‘Pushpa 2: The Rule’, featuring Pushpa Raj and Srivalli, was finally released on December 5.
So, how does Allu Arjun and Rashmika Mandanna’s film hold up? Read on to find out.
Story
As this film is the second instalment, a quick recap is in order. The first part showcased how Pushpa gets involved in the smuggling of red sandalwood while searching for work and teams up with Konda Reddy (Ajay Ghosh) to fix the price for smuggling with Mangalam Srinu (Sunil). Climbing the ranks, Pushpa ultimately becomes the owner of the red sandalwood smuggling operation, sealing deals directly abroad. However, many gangs are after him, and ultimately, SP Bhanwar Singh Shekhawat (Fahadh Faasil) enters, intent on capturing Pushpa.
Fast forward a few years and Pushpa Raj has established his dominance in Chittoor, Andhra Pradesh, while Bhanwar Singh Shekhawat has risen from IS to IPS. In the first half of the film, Bhawar Singh makes relentless attempts to capture Pushpa, who runs his operations in red sandalwood smuggling but fails. Pushpa’s emotional journey with his Srivalli is also explored in detail.
Additionally, the family drama from Part 1 is intricately woven into this installment. The first half of the film moves at a brisk pace, while the second half slows down a bit. The action sequences post-interval are spectacular and the chemistry between Pushpa and Bhawar Singh Shekhawat is exceptional. Without giving away spoilers, it’s advised that to watch the film to know what happens next.
Writing – Direction – Music
The duo of Sukumar and Srikanth Viswa returns for writing and dialogue in this film. The story is somewhat more detailed than the previous part, but it feels stretched in places. In this approximately 200-minute film, there are a few scenes that could have been trimmed by editor Naveen Nooli. The Hindi dialogues are well-crafted.
The fight sequences and action are outstanding, thanks to Peter Hein, Kecha Kamphakdee, Dragon Prakash and Nabakanta. The background score by Devi Sri Prasad is also impressive. The item numbers ‘Kissa Ho’ and ‘or ‘Angaara,’, featuring Sreeleela and entertaining, all thanks to choreographers Prem Rakshith, Ganesh Acharya, Vijay Polaki and Shrashti Verma.
Acting
Pushpa 2: The Rule explores Fahadh Faasil’s character in depth and shows many layers of his character. Fahadh once again showcases his talent and hard work through his performance. Allu Arjun and Rashmika have delivered outstanding performances.
The film features some old characters as well as new ones, with Sunil and Anasuya Bharadwaj delivering great timing in their roles as Mangalam Srinu and his wife Dakshayani. However, hopes were high for the new characters Rao Ramesh and Jagapathi Babu, and they didn’t quite meet those expectations. The climax could have been more interesting and intriguing. Despite everything, the announcement of ‘Pushpa 3’ at the end served as a surprise factor in the climax.
Final Verdict
With its captivating storyline, good music and witty dialogues, Pushpa 2: The Rule is an absolute must-watch. The film expertly builds upon the suspenseful cliffhanger of Part 1, keeping viewers engaged and invested. Great performances from the cast, particularly Allu Arjun and Fahadh Faasil, add to the film’s charm. Overall, it’s a wildly entertaining ride.
