Pushpa 2: The Rule
Rating: 2.75/5
Production Company: Mythri Movie Makers
Cast: Allu Arjun, Rashmika Mandanna, Fahadh Faasil, Jagapathi Babu, Dhanunjaya, Rao Ramesh, Sunil, Anasuya Bharadwaj, Tarak Ponnappa, and others
Music: Devi Sri Prasad
Cinematography: Miresłow Kuba Brożek
Editing: Navin Nooli
Action Choreography: Peter Hein, “Dragon” Prakash, Kecha, Navakanth
VFX Supervisor: Kamal Kannan
Production Designer: S. Ramakrishna – Monica Nigotre
Producers: Naveen Yerneni, Ravi Shankar Yalamanchili
Writer and Director: Sukumar
Release Date: December 5, 2024
The much-anticipated Pushpa 2 has been stirring excitement, raising expectations following the unprecedented success of its predecessor. Analysts predict that this sequel could shatter box office records. Allu Arjun’s relentless promotion of the film across India has further intensified the buzz surrounding its release.
The narrative unfolds with Pushpa Raj (Allu Arjun), who is now settled into a happy married life with Srivalli (Rashmika Mandanna). However, a request from his wife to have a photograph with the state’s Chief Minister leads to humiliation when the CM, despite accepting Pushpa’s funds for his political party, denies the request. Offended, Pushpa Raj sets out to make his friend Siddappa (Rao Ramesh) the next Chief Minister by smuggling red sanders, but faces opposition from SP Shekawat (Fahadh Faasil), who seeks revenge for his earlier humiliation.
Allu Arjun gives a commanding performance, showcasing his versatility in various scenes, including the notable Gangamma Jathara sequence. Rashmika Mandanna, while less prominent, highlights her talent during critical moments and shines in the “Peelings” song. Fahadh Faasil steals the spotlight as the antagonist, bringing depth to every scene, while Rao Ramesh and Jagapathi Babu contribute to the film’s ensemble in key roles.
On a technical level, Miresłow Kuba Brożek’s cinematography is a major highlight, providing a stunning visual experience that surpasses the first film. Despite an extended runtime of 3 hours and 20 minutes, and certain lags in pacing, the film’s production quality is admirable, with commendable VFX and sharp dialogues.
Although the score by Devi Sri Prasad does not match its predecessor’s iconic status, it remains effective, complemented by solid background music. However, the film suffers from an overly lengthy runtime, particularly with unnecessary opening scenes that add little to the plot.
In conclusion, while Pushpa 2 has its imperfections, particularly in pacing and narrative cohesiveness, Allu Arjun’s captivating performance and engaging moments provide entertainment value. The film certainly offers a blend of action, drama, and humor, ensuring that viewers are drawn into Pushpa’s journey once again.
Overall, despite the challenges, there remains a strong sense of hope and enthusiasm around the franchise as it gears up for another chapter in the saga, leaving fans looking forward to future developments. The film serves as a building block towards the anticipated Part 3, igniting curiosity about Pushpa Raj’s next chapter.