BOTTOM LINE
Wild Hero, Mild Plot
RATING
2.75/5
CENSOR
‘U/A’ Certified, 3h 20m
What Is the Film About?
Pushpa Raj’s wife has one wish. It is to see a picture of her husband and the state Chief Minister together. However, the CM doesn’t like taking a pic with a low class hooligan like him.
What does the hurt Pushpa Raj do? How it involves his smuggling background, and multiple altercations with Inspector Shekawat? How the issue finally leads to much bigger problem and where it ends is the second part of Pushpa.
Performances
Allu Arjun is the lifeline of Pushpa The Rule. He lives the character all over again and goes the extra mile to make it special. Many moments in the film highlight this, but the ultimate is obviously the Jathara sequence which he goes into beast mode. The interval block is equally impressive as a performer for Allu Arjun with more subtlety.
Overall, Allu Arjun makes sure that the character stays with us long after one has left the cinemas. It is to his credit that despite playing the part twice, he doesn’t make it look jaded or boring. It is class apart act.
Rashmika Mandanna comparatively doesn’t get much scope like everyone else in the movie. However, there is a big moments in the second half where she nails the required emotion.
And last but not the least, Fahadh Faasil gets a lengthy part in Pushpa The Rule. But, it is a one-dimensional one. There are only a few moments of glimpse in between that show his true range. The rest he just goes through the part in his typical inimitable style.
Analysis
Pushpa 2: The Rule, a sequel to Pushpa: The Rise, is directed by Sukumar. The film starts with an action sequence set in Japan. While the sequence is not outright bad, it doesn’t quite meet the standards expected from a project like Pushpa 2. The main issue lies in the over-the-top action design.
The rest of the first half shifts focus to drama over action, which works to a satisfying extent. Although the drama feels slow at times, it remains engaging, thanks mainly to Allu Arjun’s terrific performance, which keeps the narrative compelling until the interval.
The interval block is a standout moment. Once again, it’s Pushpa Raj’s electrifying performance and body language that steal the show, especially in the scene where he says “Sorry” to Bhanwar Singh Shekhawat (Fahadh Faasil). It’s a treat for fans of star-hero performances, which have become rare these days. This scene delivers a knockout punch, making the first half feel satisfying, with Sukumar’s writing keeping it consistently engaging.
The second half, however, leans heavily on Allu Arjun’s charisma rather than developing proper character arcs. For instance, Fahadh Faasil, who feels like a crucial character in the first half, gets a weak closure.
Other characters, like Mangalam Srinu (Sunil), Dakshayani (Anasuya), and Jagapathi Babu etc. also lack proper development or satisfying closures.
Surprisingly, Sukumar delivered in action and impressive dialogue writing but falters big time in crafting well-rounded characters. Without this, the film struggles to feel complete.
Until a certain point, the director establishes a conflict between Pushpa and Bhanwar Singh Shekhawat. Later, there’s a political conflict where Pushpa makes someone a CM (don’t look for logic), or a syndicate issue. The story lacks focus for the narrative.
That said, Sukumar does a better job with the wife’s character, offering a refreshing dynamic between Pushpa and his wife. This adds emotional weight to the Jathara episode, where Rashmika Mandanna’s character speaks about her husband’s oppression and struggles.
What ultimately elevates the film is Pushpa Raj’s outstanding performance. His expressions and body language perfectly complement the character, covering up many flaws and making the film a one-time engaging watch. There are high-octane episodes that remind us of the director and hero taking inspiration from Kantara movie. However, the good thing is that the quality of these scenes came out well, so no issue.
Overall, Pushpa 2 is worth watching in theaters for Allu Arjun’s terrific performance and the action. However, on the flip side, don’t expect much from the story. Sukumar faltered in delivering a proper narrative despite the super-lengthy runtime. The climax and cliffhanger for the third part might invoke mixed reactions.
Performances by Others Actors
Pushpa The Rule has many actors reprising their parts from Pushpa. Among them Rao Ramesh gets a decent role. He is seen through out and does his scenes adequately. Anasuya has small screen time, but she impresses in them, despite lacking meat. Sunil and Brahmaji are okay. Jagapathi Babu is the new addition, but he doesn’t get much to do apart from appearing in a new look. The rest of the cast is alright which includes the likes of Ajay etc.
Sreeleela appears in a special “Kissik” song. She was okay, but this won’t be a memorable blockbuster like Samantha’s “Oo Antava Oo Oo Antava.”
Music and Other Departments?
Devi Sri Prasad, a long-time collaborator with Sukumar, provides the music. The songs are clearly not at the level one expects from the combo. Unfortunately, they aren’t picturized at that level either, but they don’t disappoint at the same time. The background score is superb. It maintains the tempo of the first and improves in giving a more classy yet massy appeal.
The cinematography is terrific. The forest topography has been brilliantly captured, which is an extension of the first part. But, the whole thing is presented refreshingly all over again.
The editing by Naveen Nooli is sharp. However, the scenes itself are so lengthy that there is so much he can do. The writing from sukumar is terrific. It’s a major high point for the movie. Mythri Movie Makers production values are excellent as expected.
Highlights?
Allu Arjun’s cult performance
Sukumar’s writing
Jathara episode
Kickass interval
Mass elevations (powered by Allu Arjun again)
Drawbacks?
Weak character development (except Pushpa)
Core story lacks a clear target for Pushpa
Lengthy runtime
Did I Enjoy It?
Yes, Allu Arjun’s performance made it worth it.
Will You Recommend It?
Yes, but don’t expect much from the story.
Final Report from U.S. Premiere:
A cult performance by Allu Arjun and Sukumar’s writing makes this mass film engaging. On the flip side, it’s lengthy, and the narrative feels unfocused in setting a clear target for Pushpa, ending with an underwhelming climax. Still, Allu Arjun’s powerhouse performance makes it worth watching in theaters. Go for it.
Pushpa Raj doesn’t have a clear target—be it Bhanwar Singh Shekhawat or the Syndicate—this seems to be the issue so far. Everything is centered around Pushpa Raj.
Sukumar smartly made both commercial songs Kissik and Peelings a part of his narrative.
Jatahra episode: Allu Arjun is a true performer. He just nailed it with great impact when he revealed the reason behind his actions in Jathara episode.
First Half Report:
Pushpa 2’s first half is decent. It runs with slow drama without action blocks, but the writing and Pushpa Raj’s body language bring energy and engagement. Allu Arjun is killing it so far, and his “Sorry” block at the interval is kickass.
— Once again, Pushpa Raj scores high in dubbing, particularly through his facial expressions. One hour in, the film is running on drama. Pushpa infusing his energy through his antics.
— Police station scene: Performer Allu Arjun on duty, superb body language as more evolved version of his character, Pushpa Raj.
— Pushpa 2, right from the get-go, starts with an action-packed episode introducing Pushpa, who goes international. The movie opens with a fight sequence at a port in Japan. Stay tuned for the first half report.
Stay tuned for Pushpa 2 The Rule Review, U.S. Premiere Report.
Pushpa 2: The Rule is that one film that changed the game for hero Allu Arjun and director Sukumar, placing them in the pan-India elite league. They are sitting on a massive opportunity, and now the movie is finally ready for the audience’s verdict. Even producers Mythri Naveen and Ravi Shankar and their banner, Mythri Movie Makers, will be elevated to a national production house if Sukumar delivers this one film with a bang. Did he? Stay tuned for our frank review, as always, which sets the right expectations without falling for any hype around the film or the box office numbers that float around.
Cast: Allu Arjun, Rashmika Mandanna, Fahadh Faasil, Jagapathi Babu, Dhanunjaya, Rao Ramesh, Sunil, Anasuya Bharadwaj etc
Story- Screenplay-Direction Sukumar Bandreddi
Producers: Naveen Yerneni, Ravi Shankar Yalamanchili
CEO: Cherry
Banner: Mythri Movie Makers
Music: Devi Sri Prasad
Editor: Navin Nooli
Cinematographer: Miresłow Kuba Brożek
Production Designer: S. Ramakrishna – Monica Nigotre
Lyricist: Chandra Bose
U.S. Distributor: Prathyangira Cinemas
Pushpa 2 Review, Pushpa 2: The Rule Review by M9
