It is known that the movie ‘Pushpa 2’ released in 2021 created a sensation across the country. ‘Pushpa 2: The Rule’ is the sequel to the movie that made Allu Arjun a hit with mass swag under the direction of Sukumar. The movie, which was released in theaters on December 5, 2024, is shaking the box office. Starring Allu Arjun, Rashmika Mandanna, and Fahadh Faasil in the lead roles, this movie was produced by Naveen Yerneni and Ravi Shankar under the banner of Mythri Movie Makers and Sukumar Writings. Did this movie live up to the hype? Did Allu Arjun rule the screen again? Come on, let’s see in this review!
What’s in the story?
The story of ‘Pushpa 2’ starts from where ‘The Rise’ ended. Pushparaj (Allu Arjun), who has risen to the throne of the red sandalwood smuggling empire, has become an extraordinary force in Chittoor. While living happily with his wife Srivalli (Rashmika Mandanna), he dreams of taking his business to the international level. Politically, he sets a target to make Siddappa (Rao Ramesh) the CM. But, his old enemy SP Bhamwar Singh Shekhawat (Fahadh Faasil) is burning with hatred and wants to destroy Pushpa. At the same time, Pushpa faces insults from his own brother Mohan (Ajay). How did Pushpa save his empire amidst these challenges? Did he win the fight with Shekhawat? This is the story.
Analysis
'Pushpa 2: The Rule' has mostly lived up to the huge expectations set by the first part, but in some places it could not be a complete hit. Sukumar has dedicated this sequel to the mass audience and has focused more on elevation scenes. The Gangamma Jatara sequence, interval block, and climax fights have made the film an extraordinary theatrical experience. Allu Arjun's performance is the backbone of the film—his dialogue timing, emotional depth, and energy in the action scenes are felt in every frame.
But, the lack of new twists in the story and deep conflict leaves the film as a mere mass entertainer. The raw emotion and depth in the story that were present in the first part are somewhat missed in this part. The villain track would have been stronger if there had been more intense face-off scenes with Fahadh Faasil. While Srivalli's character is good in the second half, her character arc feels incomplete. Although the film is technically excellent, the pace would have been better if there had been tight editing in the second half. Compared to Sukumar's previous films like 'Rangasthalam', 'Pushpa 2' is ahead in visuals and grandeur, but lags behind in story depth.
But, the lack of new twists in the story and deep conflict left the film as a mere mass entertainer. The raw emotion and depth in the story in the first part are somewhat missing in this part. The villain track would have been stronger if there had been more intense face-off scenes with Fahadh Faasil. While Srivalli's character is good in the second half, her character arc feels incomplete. Although the film is technically excellent, the pace would have been better if there had been tight editing in the second half. Compared to Sukumar's previous films like 'Rangasthalam', 'Pushpa 2' is ahead in visuals and grandeur, but lags behind in story depth.
Actors' Performance
In a word, Allu Arjun occupied the screen as Pushparaj! His swag, dialogue delivery, body language were all amazing. His dance in the androgynous look in the Gangamma Jatara scene and the physical intensity in the climax fight will make the fans go crazy. His performance in the emotional scenes touched the heart. As a National Award winner, he once again showed his mettle with this role. Rashmika as Srivalli did a great job in the second half. Her dialogues and acting in the emotional scenes were very natural. Although her role was a bit small in the first half, her scenes with Pushpa in the second half touched the heart. Her accent and cunning brought the character of Srivalli to life.
Fahadh Faasil impressed with his intense performance as Shekhawat. His screen presence and dialogue delivery created an amazing chemistry with Allu Arjun. But, if his character had been given more scope and depth, the villain track would have been even stronger. Rao Ramesh Siddappa impressed even in a small role. Ajay, Sunil, Anasuya, Jagapathi Babu seemed okay in their roles, but the lack of proper scope for their characters disappointed.
Plus Points
Allu Arjun Swag: Bunny's acting, action, emotions are a must for the movie! He burned like fire in the Gangamma Jatara scene and the climax fight.
Sukumar Magic: Sukumar has brilliantly balanced commercial elements and emotional drama. The Jatara, interval, and climax scenes show his directorial brilliance.
Visual & Sound Treat: Miroslav Kuba Brozek's cinematography gave a visual feast in the forest and Jatara scenes. Devi Sri Prasad's songs ('Sooseki', 'Kissik'), Sam CS's BGM elevate the film.
Mass Masala: The fair sequence, interval block, climax fights are enough to make the mass fans whistle. Pushpa's dialogues and action rock the theaters.
Grand Production: Mythri Movie Makers have made the film grand without sparing any expense.
Minus Points
Routine Story: Compared to the first part, the story lacks some novelty. The story revolving around smuggling and enmity seems predictable.
Second Half Lag: Although the first half is lively, some scenes in the second half are dragged. The emotional scenes feel repetitive.
Side Characters: Rao Ramesh, Jagapathi Babu, Sunil, Anasuya's characters lack proper scope. Fahad's character could also be given more depth.
Over-the-top scenes: Some action scenes ignore logic and show Pushpa as a superhero. This seems a bit exaggerated.
Technical aspects
Cinematography: Miroslav Kuba Brozek's camera work is impressive in the forest, fair and night scenes. Every frame is like a visual feast.
Music: Devi Sri Prasad's songs, Sam CS's BGM take the emotion and action of the film to the next level.
Editing: Naveen Nooli's editing keeps the film crispy, but it would have been better if it had been trimmed a little in the second half.
Production values: Mythri Movie Makers have shown a scale and grander film in the Hollywood range.
Conclusion
‘Pushpa 2: The Rule’ is creating a mass buzz in the theaters with Allu Arjun’s swag, Sukumar’s vision, and grand visuals. The fair scene, interval, and climax fights give the fans full excitement. If there was something new in the story and a tight screenplay in the second half, the movie would have been an iconic hit. However, the performances of Allu Arjun, Rashmika, and Fahadh, along with the mass elements, have made the movie an unforgettable theater experience. The movie is now running in theaters, and the reloaded version is streaming on Netflix from January 30, 2025. Don’t miss this mass entertainer on the big screen!
Rating: 3.75/5