Pushpa: The Rule - Part 2

Pushpa 2 has finally hit the screens after much anticipation, deadlines, and controversy. Every frame exudes a high production value, with scenes full of grandeur. The film is an out-and-out Allu Arjun showcase, featuring numerous elevation moments that highlight his charisma and on-screen presence. In the second half, the story delves into the human side of his character, but these moments fail to resonate due to weak writing.

Rashmika Mandanna's characterization is underwhelming in the first half, leaning towards melodrama, though it improves significantly in the latter half with more substance. The cinematography is striking, capturing Allu Arjun from dynamic angles, while the background score enhances key moments.

However, the film's biggest flaw lies in its writing. Despite its extended runtime of 3 hours and 20 minutes, the story barely progresses from where the first installment ended. Fahadh Faasil's character, who instilled terror in the original, is reduced to a caricature, failing to leave an impact. The much-talked-about Jathara sequence is visually stunning and carries a strong message, but the repetition of similar themes and messaging towards the end feels redundant. Instead, unresolved plotlines from the first part could have been explored further.

The action sequences are decent, with occasional highlights, but the climax fight crosses the line into over-the-top territory, even by the film's exaggerated standards. The unconventional ending lacks impact and leaves the audience on a low note.

Verdict: While Pushpa 2 dazzles with its grandeur and style, it falters in delivering a compelling story. Fans of Allu Arjun will relish his performance, but the lack of narrative progression and meaningful character arcs leaves much to be desired.

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.

I was so hyped up for the movie Pushpa 2: The Rule, after the great prequel. However, I must say I was so disappointed watching this movie. I was actually very impressed with the first half but the second half post interval was just abysmal.

Allu Arjun shines as Pushpa Raj, with his mass scenes been presented the way fans wanted and I was happy to see the role once again. Rashmika Mandanna was also good, I must say her acting skills have improved over time. However, FaFa was a letdown, especially after the way they hyped up his role in Part 1, I was disappointed that an actor of such calibre was used in a foolish way.

The screenplay is the biggest culprit of this movie, especially in the second half, where I personally lost my interest. This was a movie with a lot of potential, but it was completely wasted.

Overall a disappointing film, a 5/10 is my review. Despite a good first half, the screenplay just got derailed and ended in a very lazy way.

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.

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.