- Movie Name:Pushpa 2: The Rule
- Critics Rating: 2.5 / 5
- Release Date: December 5, 2024
- Director: Sukumar
- Genre: Action-Drama
Yes! It is not easy to make a sequel to a superhit film; several pan-India films have been significant examples of that fact. However, Allu Arjun's Pushpa 2: The Rule has now emerged as a major example of what can go wrong in a sequel when a filmmaker and actor are keen on an ego-based film rather than focusing on its hanging storyline. Moreover, music composer Devi Sri Prasad, who gave superhit songs like 'Teri Jhalak Asharfi' and 'Oo Antava' in Pushpa: The Rise, disappoints in the sequel, that too big time! Pushpa 2 majorly falls between three narratives: Pushparaj Vs CM, Pushparaj Vs Shekhawat, and Pushpa's childhood trauma. Yes! Srivalli's character this time is as insignificant as female speakers in Parliament. This time Sukumar brought Sreeleela to cross her path, but she neither has the saltiness of Samantha nor the agility of a lead. Shreyas Talpade has once again brought the character of Pushpa Raj to life on screen in the Hindi version.
Story
The way director Sukumar had brought the story of the film from abroad to the red sandalwood forests through line drawings via the sea last time, the same thing has been done this time too. Pushpa 2 starts from a port in Japan and hangs between Southern India and several international seashores. In this exposition, Sukumar has got the help he would have expected from his characters. Jagdish Bhandari, Jagapati Babu, Rao Ramesh, and Brahmaji all look accomplished in their roles. The last time the story was about winning Shrivalli's heart, and this time the story is about getting his mother the respect in her own house for which Pushparaj had been suffering since childhood. The tension that the viewers of the film had expected between Pushparaj and Bhanwar Singh Shekhawat IPS may not have been seen as much, but once the family's whirlpool is revealed, the film seems to be coming back on track only to get completely lost in the last 30 minutes of the film. With the aim of laying the groundwork for the third part, Pushpa 3: The Rampage, the makers have disrupted the climax of the film.
Direction
The major flaw of the film lies in its writing. AR Prabhav, Sukumar, and Srikanth Vissa could neither hold on to one narrative nor do justice by it; neither were they able to live up to the expectations after the first part. However, amid all the bashing towards the makers, cinematographer Kuba Brozek Miroslaw should be hailed for his phenomenal work. From sandalwood forests to tashan between the actors, Miroslaw pulls off everything effortlessly. Half a star more is given to Pushpa 2 for its Jatra scene and the two consecutive songs after that, along with Allu Arjun's Tandava dance as Kali. But soon after the makers pump you up with excitement with the most successful sequence of the film, they disappoint with a drag climax. Moreover, music director Devi Sri Prasad seems to be a victim of overconfidence here; the reason could be his weak command over Hindi. This is where MM Keeravani and AR Rahman excel; they break the language barriers and win.
Acting
This time the story completely moves forward with Pushpa Raj's adamant and 'kuch bhi' decisions. Moreover, Fahadh Faasil, who has played better villainous roles in the past, has gotten a raw deal in Pushpa 2. However, both these actors have done a great job in locking horns, especially in the scenes where there are dialogues but just eye-acting. But Fahadh Faasil's character oscillating between Thakur and Gabbar from Sholey did not give him much chance to shine this time. Rashmika Mandanna has done a better job than him by bringing out the threat of her brother-in-law in just one scene. However, her hyper-active sexual needs were cringe to watch on screen. The audience expected a Samantha kinda act from Sreeleela in the 'kissik' song, but that did not work much. However, if this film is being praised, then it should only be because of Allu Arjun and his swag. The actor seems more comfortable and rooted this time, and why not? He's been in the role of Pushparaj for 5 years now.
Verdict
Pushpa 2: The Rule lacks depth and a concrete storyline. Messed up in between too many narratives, the film struggles in pre-interval and climax portions. Despite that, the massy actioner has its high points, the jatra sequence being the topmost one. Allu Arjun's Pushparaj may have diverted in several roads, but the actor's swag, charm, and on-point dialogue delivery remain stagnant. Fahadh Faasil disappoints as Shekhawat, and Rashmika as Srivalli is on the verge of turning irritating. The film has played the work for its third part, and it's safe to say that the makers may have this last chance to redo the wrong they did in the sequel. The film is a one-time, bearably long watch and only deserves 2.5 stars. Pushpa 2: The Rule has been released in Hindi, Tamil, Kannada, Bengali, and Malayalam languages in theatres near you.
