Pushpa: The Rule - Part 2

I want to keep this review short because I am already exhausted because of this movie's running time. I wasn't a great fan of Pushpa: The Rise, it made the money mainly because it somehow managed to impress the North Indian demographic with its unapologetic portrayal of a loud lead actor. Pushpa 2: The Rule continues to do the same in a louder, bigger, lengthier and only at certain times, better.

Pushpa: The rise ended on a promising note with the introduction of the menacing Fahadh Faasil as Bhanwar Singh Shekawat. This movie does focus on the battle between Shekawat and Pushpa but becomes more of a cat and mouse game pretty soon. The back and forth conning sequences become repetitive and Shekawat's role slowly turns into a comedy gag while Pushpa's role keeps getting larger than life. There are certain parts of the movie which clearly look like they are rewritten just to increase the scale of the movie. In the latter part of the second half, the movie takes a U turn from the cat and mouse angle to become an action family sentiment drama with the introduction of the new antagonists. This leads to an impressive but a stereotypical action climax which would have fit well if the whole movie had the same tone.

Certain scenes from the teaser and trailer aren't found in this 200 minute long movie and Sukumar which makes you wonder whether Sukumar really did intend to end with a scope opening for Part 3.

This is definitely Allu Arjun's career best performance, the man has given it all. But after a while you also wonder if you may have seen him too much into Pushpa's character, you miss the old charming AA. While Rashmika is impressive you can sense that Sukumar has rewritten Rashmika''s character and the scenes around Allu Arjun hyping her because of the negative feedback received on her objectification in Part 1. However, the objectification continues to exist in the song and dance sequences and also fitting in an unnecessary item song bringing in Sreeleela. While Fahadh Faasil's role scope changes in this movie, he is still impressive with his maniac comedy. The chemistry between Shekawat and Pushpa at times is so fun that I wouldn't complain if there is a spin-off comedy movie around that. There is not much to speak about the remaining supporting characters who are part of this movie as an extravaganza.

Pushpa 2: The rule is an unnecessarily lengthy character montage for Allu Arjun with one hype scene after another. It may be fun for a certain demographic, but it lacks the soul of a typical South Indian mass movie.

Wasn't as exciting as the first one. Liked Fahad Fasil's acting more than Allu Arjun. To me Fahad fasil stole the show single handedly. Action scenes were illogical. 3 hours 20 minutes Length was too much because there was nothing much to show in the movie. The suspense and thrill was not also up to the mark. In my opinion, the makers just made the movie in a rush and to make money, leaving alone most of the important factors. Songs were added just to increase the duration of the film. It is only because of fahad fasil I am giving 6 stars otherwise this movie does not deserve more that 4 stars.

The storyline is not good. There are many scenes that are included with no specific reason like the starting when Pushpa is in Japan and fights people there and the scene goes on for like 10 minutes, only for him to wake up (it was just a dream...). It also shows Pushpa is scared of water there because of a past experience. But that scene too has no relevance to any other part of the story whatsoever.

The only thing good about this movie was the action scenes which has impressive camera angles and dramatic effects although the fights were overexaggerated (gets a pass 'cause South Indian film)

The highly anticipated Pushpa 2, the second installment in the Pushpa franchise, delivers a mass-market spectacle but falls short in certain areas.

1. Content: While the movie is crafted for mass appeal, the storyline could have been more refined and engaging.

2. Action Design: The fight sequences and chases resemble a video game, which might work for some but feels over-stylized.

3. High-Voltage Moments: There are predictable, high-energy sequences that generate excitement but lack depth in terms of narrative integration.

4. Plot Development: The movie consists of several whistle-worthy moments, but these individual blocks lack cohesion and fail to develop into a compelling plot.

5. Entertainment Value: Pushpa 2 is positioned as a "paisa vasool" mass entertainer but falters with two weaker songs.

6. Performances: Rashmika Mandanna delivers a solid performance.

7. Character Intensity: Fahadh Faasil's character lacks the seriousness or intensity seen in the first part, making his role less impactful than anticipated.

8. Villain Arc: The absence of a strong antagonist makes the hero's victories feel one-sided, with the actual conflict seemingly reserved for Pushpa 3.

9. Dialogues: The one-liners and punchlines are effective and add to the entertainment quotient.

10. Characterization of Pushpa: Allu Arjun's characterization remains strong but doesn't offer anything new. The decision to save key scenes for Pushpa 3 dilutes the impact of this sequel, leaving room for fillers instead of substantive content.

11. Overall Appeal: While the film is a mass-market hit and delivers on entertainment, it might leave discerning audiences, including those paying premium prices for tickets under government-supported initiatives in India, wanting more in terms of content quality and storytelling.

In conclusion, Pushpa 2 is a high-energy, crowd-pleasing entertainer but lacks the narrative strength and depth that could have made it truly exceptional.

Positives:

1. Acting:

• A masterclass performance by Allu Arjun.

• Rashmika does a decent job, managing to hold her own.

• Fahadh Faasil plays his role aptly and seems to enjoy it, but his character design is somewhat concerning and lacks the depth it had in the first part.

2. Cinematography:

• The movie features clean cinematic visuals, with excellent drone captures of stunning aerial shots.

• The overall quality is top-notch, with a well-maintained tone throughout.

3. Jathara Sequence:

• A standout sequence where all departments excelled, creating a memorable artistic moment.

• Allu Arjun shines in this sequence, delivering an emotionally charged performance. His dance conveys raw emotions, and his eyes reflect his character's deep longing.

Negatives: 1. Lack of a Strong Story:

• The biggest issue is the absence of a meaningful storyline.

• The movie heavily relies on ego clashes rather than building a compelling narrative.

• The screenplay is a significant blunder, with scenes that seem random and disconnected, leading to abrupt transitions without proper justification.

2. Direction and Screenwriting:

• Sukumar appears to have lost clarity, as the film prioritizes everything but progression.

• The lack of focus results in a series of events that feel aimless and repetitive.

3. Music:

• Sam CS's background score adds no value to the movie.

• The music is underwhelming, failing to elevate the scenes and often making even good moments feel dull.

• The absence of DSP's exceptional work from the first part is deeply felt.

4. Unrealistic Action:

• Pushpa defies Earth's gravity, leaping with a smooth, space-like motion that feels overly exaggerated and disconnected from reality.

5. Excessive Time Taken:

• It's baffling that a movie of this quality took three years to make. With genuine effort and dedication, it could have been completed in six months.