Review: Pushpa 2: Engaging but Swinging

 

Movie: Pushpa 2: The Rule
Rating:2.75/5

Cast: Allu Arjun, Rashmika Mandanna, Fahadh Faasil, Rao Ramesh, Jagapathi Babu, Jagadeesh, Sunil, Anasuya and Others

Director: Sukumar 

Produced By: Mythri Movie Pictures

Release Date: December 05, 2024

Story:

Pushparaj is now the leader of Red Sandalwood Smuggling Syndicate, and he has his own set of rules and ideas to maintain the business without any hurdles. Bhanwar Singh Shekhawat, who gets insulted by Pushparaj, is now in vengeance mode and waiting for a chance to win over him. Meanwhile, Pushpa continues to support MP Siddhappa, who is now much closer to him, and he also wants Siddhappa to become Chief Minister. Why does Pushpa get into politics? What are the plans of Shekhawat and other enemies of Pushpa to finish him? The above questions are answered in the rest of the story.

Performances:

Allu Arjun continues where he left off from the first part and infuses an intensity into Pushparaj's character. His performance is equally good in ferocious scenes as well as emotional moments. He also did different getups for a few important sequences in the film which are praiseworthy. Rashmika Mandanna is good as Srivalli and gets a few important scenes where she performs very well. Rao Ramesh, Jagapathi Babu, and Keshava were decent while Sunil, Anasuya, and others were alright. Fahadh Faasil's character has a few fun moments, but it gets sidelined as the film progresses and ends on a very bad note. 

What worked for the film:

The never-dying attitude of Pushpa is established very well in the first half. He is a leader for his men and his bonding with his friends and partners is shown very well in the police station scene in the first half. Also, he has a good camaraderie with Srivalli after marriage, and the way he gives importance to her is also shown very well. The interval episode comes strong. The challenge between Pushpa and Shekhawat is intense. The Jathara episode in the second half has a mix of action, sentiment, and romance which is a creative idea. 

What does not work for the film:

After a well-dealt first half, Sukumar somehow gets lost in conveying his ideas. The Jathara Episode starts well, but one cannot help but notice the hurried mode in dealing with it. The action episode could have had a better lead scene. The character of Bhanwar Singh Shekhawat is introduced powerfully, but he is shown almost as a joker and the way Sukumar ends his character is in a very bad taste. After the Jathara episode, the narration does not have the right punch, and the climax gets needlessly dragged as it tries to elevate the emotional angle forcedly. After the climax, the family sentiment scene appears good but again the effect is diluted immediately with an unnecessary and senseless lead to the third part. 

Pushpa 2 Review and Verdict:

Pushpa 2 is an engaging action drama that has the right elements to serve its purpose. Even though the latter part of the film lacks momentum, Allu Arjun's acting and effectively done mass moments work well.