After a three year hiatus, Allu Arjun’s highly anticipated sequel to Pushpa. The Rise, titled Pushpa : The Rule, has finally hit the big screens. Directed by Sukumar, this action-packed emotional drama comes with sky-high expectations, and fans are celebrating its release with tremendous excitement. Here is our review of Pushpa 2. Read on to find out if it lives up to the hype.
Story:
Pushpa (Allu Arjun) rises from a small worker to a syndicate member and eventually an owner, becoming a powerful smuggler. But his ongoing feud with SP Bhanwar Singh Shekhawat (Fahadh Faasil) intensifies. In the meantime, Pushpa has plans to make MP Siddhappa (Rao Ramesh) the CM, using his unique strategies to pull the strings. He also boldly challenges Shekhawat, vowing to smuggle red sandalwood out of the country undetected. Meanwhile, Pushpa’s elder brother’s family lands in trouble. What’s the crisis? Will Pushpa be involved in it? And why does he want Siddhappa as CM? All these questions unfold as the story progresses.
Plus Points:
Allu Arjun’s performance in Pushpa 2 is absolutely flawless. He dives deeper into his character than in the first installment, delivering a performance that’s full of passion and authenticity. In key emotional and action scenes, his acting reaches remarkable heights, leaving the audience in awe, thinking, “Did I just witness that?” His portrayal of Pushpa Raj adds incredible depth to the film.
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Director Sukumar has clearly put in great effort to craft Allu Arjun’s character with care and precision. Both Sukumar and Allu Arjun have poured their heart and soul into making this sequel a pleasant cinematic experience.
Rashmika Mandanna delivers a solid performance as well, especially shining in her emotional dialogues during the second half. She perfectly captures the intensity of the emotional moments.
Fahadh Faasil, with a more substantial role this time, brings a fresh intensity to his character as the relentless, psychotic cop determined to take down Pushpa’s empire. His face-offs with Allu Arjun are intense and captivating, showcasing his remarkable acting abilities.
Minus Points:
For those seeking a strong storyline, Pushpa 2 might feel lacking. The film relies heavily on counter scenes, and in the second half, the story unexpectedly shifts to a family angle, leaving one wondering about Pushpa’s broader ambitions and his empire.
While the writing is decent enough, it lacks depth, particularly in the first half. Some scenes feel like fillers, but they are somewhat overlooked due to their placement between intense moments. Some dialogues are not up to the mark.
Compared to the first part, the songs in this sequel are less engaging on screen, with the exception of Sooseki, which serves as a powerful, romantic, yet emotional track. Kissik doesn’t quite meet expectations, especially for those hoping for a major hit. However, Sreeleela impresses with her moves. The cliffhanger also feels a bit underwhelming, as audiences are left expecting a stronger lead-up to Pushpa 3.
Verdict:
On the whole, Pushpa 2: The Rule delivers on expectations. Allu Arjun’s performance, be it emotional or action-packed, is exceptional. Fahadh Faasil brings his unique style and intensity to the role, while Rashmika Mandanna also does justice to her character. Although the film has a few shortcomings, such as unnecessary scenes in the first half and a lack of a strong story line, the runtime isn’t an issue. Compared to the first part, Pushpa 2 raises the bar. Don’t wait anymore and book your tickets to experience this intense action drama, which is worth watching this weekend.