Allu Arjun is enacted en masse, breathing fire, Fahadh Faasil and Rashmika Mandanna shine

Allu Arjun in and as Pushpa in Pushpa The Rule: Part Two

Director: Sukumar

Star cast: Allu Arjun, Fahadh Faasil, Rashmika Mandanna

Where to see: In the cinema

Rating: 4.5 stars

Pushparaj (Allu Arjun), a small-time laborer turned demigod, rules Chittoor and expands his red sandalwood smuggling syndicate around the globe. But his old enemy SP Bhanwar Singh Shekawat (Fahadh Faasil) returns to take revenge and destroy Pushpa. What follows is a cat and mouse game between Pushpa and Fahadh. Who will win this fight? Is SP Bhanwar Singh Shekhawat Pushpa’s only enemy, or will he have to face a greater, darker evil? Will Pushparaj ever achieve what he has wanted all his life – the name and acceptance of his family? All the questions are wrapped up in a film that is not only entertaining but also an eye-opener for filmmakers who want to make sequels just to secure a franchise.

Pushpa The Rule: Part Two, the highly anticipated sequel to Pushpa The Rise: Part One, had high expectations. After ‘Pushpa 2’ topped the box office with the sheer storytelling of the first part, it was expected to be on the same level as the previous part. However, Pushpa The Rule takes the franchise to a new level. The film is sure to create havoc at the box office. Director Sukumar, Allu Arjun and the team should take a bow because they have delivered the most entertaining film of 2024.

Pushpa 2 is a blast from the word go. The film begins in a port in Japan, where Pushparaj kills villains with an ax and a katana. Pushpa evolves from syndicate leader to Karta-Dharta of Chittoor. He even has the power to overthrow CM and form a new government. As time passes, Pushpa’s ego also grows and he goes from “Jhukega nahi saala” to “Hargiz jhukega nahi saala”. On his way to form a new government, he meets his old enemy, SP Bhanwar Singh Shekhawat, who is desperate to defeat Pushparaj. Bhanwar tries to destroy Pushpa’s business in various ways. But every time he fails in his plan and emerges victorious. Pushpa is not only the overlord, but also transforms into a loving and caring husband, a family man who can do anything to protect his people.

Watch the trailer of Pushpa 2

Talking about performances, Allu Arjun will be seen on screen as Pushparaj. He breathes fire. It eludes style, substance and everything in between. With this film, Allu Arjun will surely become India’s biggest pan-India star. The actor is not only great in his action scenes or dance routines, but also outstanding in dramatic moments. Allu Arjun is the strongest contender for the National Award for Best Actor. Special mention to the scene where he channels the anger of Maa Kali. Allu Arjun had his Kantara moment and you will surely get goosebumps watching him perform the tandav. One of the strongest points of Pushpa 2 is the emotions. The film has many emotional moments and the heart is in the right place.

Rashmika Mandanna proves why she is one of the most talented actresses in India. Even in a film where the main story revolves around Pushpa and his enemy, Rashmika steals the show as Srivalli. As a loving and caring wife, she provides good support. After an intense fight scene, there is a sequence where Rashmika confronts her brother-in-law and it will have you applauding loudly for her acting skills. Allu Arjun and Rashmika have fiery chemistry and prove it in every picture.

Fahadh Faasil as SP Bhanwar Singh Shekawat is pure evil. His villainy is laced with subtle humor and FaFa handles it beautifully. Although his character is not as strong as in the first part, he dominates the screen every time he appears with his sinister smile.

Check out the theme song of Pushpa 2

Pushpa 2 works because of a tight script that leaves no room for boredom. A 3.20 hour long film, but you can’t complain about its length. Sukumar and his team win here. The first half is good. Good enough to call it a successful sequel to Pushpa. If the part of the film before the intermission is fireworks, the second half of the film is wildfire. After the interval, Pushpa 2 jumps to a new level and leaves you wanting more. Special mention goes to Shreyas Talpade who dubbed Allu Arjun in Hindi. He is so good and dubs the dialogues that you will feel like Allu Arjun is actually speaking Hindi. The background music by Devi Sri Prasad is awesome and always enhances the impact of the scenes.

However, the film also has its weaknesses. The songs, except for the Pushpa theme song and Angaaron, are not up to par. This is especially true if you have previously had an album with songs like Oo Antava and Srivalli. The item song Kissik will sound more sensible while watching the movie. However, despite Sreeleela’s impressive dance moves, it is not on par with Samantha Ruth Prabhu’s song. Pushparaj and Bhanwar’s chase seems monotonous in the second half and the melodrama slows down the pace of the film. Thankfully, Allu Arjun soon picks up the narrative with an impressive fight scene at the climax.

Check out the Angaroon song

Overall, Pushpa The Rule: Part Two will rule the box office. The sky is the limit for this film. The film will easily cross Rs 500 crore or even Rs 1000 crore at the box office. Allu Arjun and the team have set new standards for mass entertainers and have set very high expectations for the third part. Yes, the saga of Pushpa will continue. Don’t miss Pushpa The Rule: Part Two.

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