In this film, featuring Allu Arjun, Rashmika Mandanna, Fahadh Faasil, Sreeleela, Rao Ramesh, Sunil, and Anasuya Bharadwaj, and directed by Sukumar, with music by Devi Sri Prasad and produced by Mythri Movie Makers – Naveen Yerneni and Y. Ravi Shankar:
The story follows Pushpa, a red sandalwood laborer who, through courage and determination, rises to become the leader of a smuggling syndicate in the first installment. In this sequel, Pushpa establishes her own empire, solidifying her power. However, SP (Fahadh Faasil) is determined to bring her down at any cost. Pushpa, using her financial power, retaliates.
Pushpa’s influence extends beyond law enforcement to the political realm. She even gets the opportunity to meet the Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh. Her wife, Rashmika, expresses a desire to have a photograph of Pushpa with the Chief Minister to display at home. When Pushpa attempts to fulfill her wife’s wish, the Chief Minister refuses to take a photograph with him, stating that no amount of money could persuade him to pose with a smuggler like Pushpa.
Pushpa, determined to fulfill the simple wish of his wife, who rarely asks for anything, decides to take matters into his own hands. He resolves to sit in the Chief Minister’s chair—becoming the kind of person the Andhra Chief Minister would readily pose with for a photograph. To achieve this, Pushpa aims to expand his red sandalwood smuggling business to the international level, bringing it under his direct control. The question remains: will Pushpa succeed in this ambitious pursuit, or will he face defeat?
Just like the first installment, Pushpa 2: The Rule balances mass appeal with sentiment, action, and comedy, delivering all the essential masala elements in measured doses. Right from the beginning of the film, it hints strongly at a third installment. The introduction of Pushpa and a fight sequence set in a Japanese port showcase breathtaking visuals, including a scene where Pushpa appears to be flying through the air with someone in his grasp. It might make one wonder if the drama has reached its peak. However, the very next sequence shifts the focus back to the familiar setting of the Andhra forests, the red sandalwood smuggling, the relentless pursuit by the police SP, and Pushpa’s efforts to outsmart him. Director Sukumar effectively draws the audience back into the world of Pushpa, blending gripping action with the character’s relentless ambition and rule over his domain.
Allu Arjun impresses his fans and Pushpa enthusiasts by adding fresh layers to his portrayal of the iconic character. With his trademark Pushpa swagger, cross-dressing sequence, mesmerizing dance moves, and intense fight scenes, he delivers a performance that celebrates his signature style while pushing boundaries. Excelling in action, mass appeal, and style, Allu Arjun also scores big with his acting in emotional scenes, showcasing his versatility. Rashmika Mandanna, playing Pushpa’s wife, proves her presence on screen even with limited scope for action. Her dialogues in support of Pushpa and the chemistry she shares with him add depth to her role, making her a pivotal part of the narrative.Fahadh Faasil, who debuted as the villain in the first part with his menacing demeanor, continues to shine in this installment. His performance as the relentless SP Bhanwar Singh, who fails in his mission to defeat Pushpa, is powerful and nuanced. Even in moments of failure, Fahadh’s acting prowess elevates the scenes, cementing his status as one of the finest actors in the industry.
Rao Ramesh as the politician, Sunil as the villain from the first part, and Anasuya Bharadwaj as his wife are crafted to continue their roles not just in this installment but also in the third part, ensuring a seamless narrative bridge across the franchise.Devi Sri Prasad’s songs in this film are all dance-worthy but lack the electrifying impact of the first part’s tracks. However, the background score complements the screenplay’s intensity, adding depth to the dramatic moments.Cinematographer Mirosław Kuba Brożek’s work stands out, capturing every scene with grandeur and matching the pace and energy of Pushpa’s character. The visuals are striking, bringing the world of Pushpa to life on a massive scale.Editors Ruben and Karthika Srinivas ensure a smooth flow of scenes, with transitions that maintain the narrative’s momentum. However, the film’s lengthy runtime of 3 hours and 20 minutes feels excessive and could have been trimmed for a tighter, more engaging experience.
