Movie Name : Pushpa 2 The Rule
Release Date : December 05, 2024
Cast : Allu Arjun, Rashmika Mandanna, Fahadh Faasil, Jagapathi Babu, Sunil, Rao Ramesh, Brahmaji, Ajay, Tarak Ponnappa, Anasuya Bharadwaj etc.
Director : Sukumar
Music Director : Devi Sri Prasad
Telugumopo.com Rating : 2.75/5
Story:
Pushpa Raj (Allu Arjun) is living a peaceful life with his wife, Srivalli (Rashmika Mandanna), when an unexpected request disrupts their harmony. Srivalli innocently asks Pushpa to arrange a photo with the Chief Minister, but her request is met with rejection. Despite accepting financial support from Pushpa, the CM refuses to associate with him, stating he cannot be seen alongside a smuggler.
This humiliation sparks a fire in Pushpa, driving him to overthrow the CM and elevate his ally Siddappa (Rao Ramesh) to power. Determined to achieve this, Pushpa undertakes a daring mission to smuggle ₹500 crore worth of red sanders. However, his path is far from easy, as SP Shekawat (Fahadh Faasil), driven by vengeance, sets out to destroy Pushpa’s empire.
Amid the external challenges, Pushpa also struggles with personal battles, seeking recognition and acceptance from his family, particularly his brother Mohan (Ajay). The film unravels how Pushpa navigates these trials, blending emotional depth with high-octane drama.
Will Pushpa succeed in his quest for power and respect? To witness his journey and its thrilling conclusion, experience the movie on the big screen!
Review:
Allu Arjun dominates once again in Pushpa 2: The Rule, taking his National Award-winning act from the first installment to an entirely new level. His versatility shines, especially in the Jathara segment, where he effortlessly transforms into a female persona, leaving audiences in awe. The gripping climax and his emotionally charged performance throughout further establish his unmatched presence, making the sequel a true showcase of his talent.
Rashmika Mandanna delivers an impressive performance despite having limited screen time. She excels in two crucial emotional scenes that highlight her acting prowess, while her glamorous presence in the “Peelings” song adds a vibrant touch to the film.
Fahadh Faasil, who is the powerful antagonist in the film, is talent incarnate. His powerful screen presence and multi-dimensional performance give depth to such a high-intensity rivalry that every scene he acts in leaves an indelible mark.
Rao Ramesh brings strength and conviction to his role, standing out with his impactful portrayal. On the other hand, Jagapathi Babu’s character, though promising, lacks the depth to create a significant impression.
Sunil and Anasuya Bharadwaj, returning from the first part, have limited contributions to the narrative. Meanwhile, Sreeleela’s item song, intended to elevate the entertainment quotient, falls short and is one of the film’s less effective moments.
The film opens with an action-packed sequence set in Japan. Despite its visual appeal, the over-the-top execution doesn’t quite meet expectations for a film of this scale. The narrative then transitions to a drama-heavy first half, which, though slower in parts, remains engaging due to Allu Arjun’s captivating performance. His screen presence and emotional depth carry the story effectively, culminating in a gripping interval sequence.
Sukumar’s storytelling excels in building anticipation, particularly in the clash between Pushpa and SP Shekawat (Fahadh Faasil). The second half’s highlight is the Gangamma Jathara sequence, where Allu Arjun embraces a female persona with remarkable finesse, delivering an electrifying fight scene that leaves a lasting impact.
However, the latter half leans heavily on Allu Arjun’s charisma while sidelining critical character arcs. Fahadh Faasil’s role, which starts strong, concludes with a weak resolution. Key supporting characters like Mangalam Srinu (Sunil), Dakshayani (Anasuya Bharadwaj), and Jagapathi Babu lack depth and closure, diminishing their contributions to the narrative.
The pre-climax offers a grand yet implausible action sequence where Pushpa, with his limbs bound, battles adversaries. While emotionally resonant within the story, its lack of realism detracts from its impact. The setup for Pushpa 3 feels forced rather than an organic continuation.
Despite these shortcomings, Sukumar delivers brilliance in select moments, particularly the scene where Allu Arjun prays for a daughter, reflecting his emotional depth, and the climactic Ajay sequence. However, the shift toward a more commercial tone departs from Sukumar’s signature nuanced approach.
Devi Sri Prasad’s music enhances the on-screen experience but doesn’t achieve the iconic status of the first installment. Sam CS’s background score is impactful, though uneven editing disrupts the film’s rhythm.
Pushpa 2: The Rule thrives on Allu Arjun’s magnetic performance, which surpasses his previous work and dominates the film. While the movie struggles with a stretched runtime and underdeveloped character arcs, its engaging drama and powerful moments make it an entertaining sequel driven by the star’s unmatched screen presence.