Allu Arjun has undoubtedly carved a place for himself as one of the biggest pan-Indian stars, particularly after the unprecedented success of Pushpa: The Rise. The film introduced audiences to the unyielding and street-smart Pushpa Raj, a man who fought against the odds to rise from humble beginnings in the world of red sandalwood smuggling. With Pushpa 2: The Rule, there were sky-high expectations as the sequel was one of the most awaited films of 2024. However, the pressing question was whether the film would match the high bar set by its predecessor or suffer from the curse that often plagues sequels. Did director Sukumar manage to deliver a story that lived up to the hype, or did Pushpa 2 end up being another example of a sequel that fell short? Let’s delve into it.
The sequel picks up where Pushpa: The Rise left off, with Pushpa Raj’s empire expanding not just in India but internationally. The film opens with a thrilling sequence in Japan that immediately sets the tone for the larger-than-life world that Pushpa now inhabits. However, unlike the animated introduction in the first film, this time we see Pushpa Raj actively fighting smugglers, signaling a shift toward more action-packed, high-stakes sequences. The character has evolved, now facing a range of adversaries both political and personal. His long-standing rivalry with Bhanwar Singh Shekawat (Fahadh Faasil) intensifies, and he also finds himself up against central minister Prathap Reddy (Jagapathi Babu), who refuses to bow to Pushpa’s method of dominance.
While the core of Pushpa 2 revolves around Pushpa’s ever-expanding influence, the film struggles to maintain a coherent, focused narrative. The plot is disjointed at times, with the film often opting for large, extravagant set pieces to elevate Allu Arjun’s stardom rather than allowing the story to unfold naturally. The film spends a significant amount of time showcasing Pushpa’s immense power, but these moments, though visually appealing, often end up feeling repetitive. For instance, the film features several instances where Pushpa’s strength and influence are showcased repeatedly, from taking down local enemies to outsmarting rivals. While these moments are undeniably entertaining and give Allu Arjun a chance to shine, they often fail to move the story forward, creating a drag in pacing.
One major flaw in Pushpa 2 is the overindulgence in fan service, especially in the first half. Pushpa’s character is shown as this larger-than-life figure who seems to be capable of anything. While this is a crowd-puller, it also makes Pushpa seem almost invincible at times, and it takes away from the grounded nature of the character seen in the first film. The extended sequence where a relative of Pushpa gets kidnapped feels like it drags unnecessarily, taking up valuable runtime without adding much to the narrative. This could have been trimmed to streamline the film’s pacing and keep the momentum going.
The second half of the film does pick up a bit, with the story finally beginning to come together. There is more conflict, especially as Pushpa faces off against Prathap Reddy and other opponents, but even then, the film’s structure doesn’t quite gel. The Jathara sequence, one of the film's highlights, features Pushpa in a saree performing a ritual and later transitioning into an intense fight sequence. It’s an extremely dramatic and visual moment that showcases Pushpa’s power and reverence in his community, but like many scenes in the film, it overstays its welcome. The trance-like dance and the romantic dance sequence could have been shorter, and the resulting action scene, though exciting, might have benefited from being more concise.
While Allu Arjun continues to be the main attraction of Pushpa 2, the film’s overemphasis on spectacle occasionally undermines the deeper emotional beats. That said, Allu Arjun’s performance is stellar, and he brings a remarkable depth to Pushpa Raj. His portrayal of a man who, despite his seemingly invincible persona, is not without flaws, makes him relatable. The emotional breakdown of Pushpa Raj near the climax is a testament to Allu Arjun’s commitment to the character, and it serves as one of the film’s most powerful moments. He masterfully handles the complexity of his character, balancing the aggression and vulnerability of Pushpa Raj with authenticity.
Rashmika Mandanna also gets a larger role in the sequel, and her character, while flirtatious and playful in the first half, comes into her own during the Jathara sequence. Her powerful monologue at this point not only elevates her character but also adds an emotional dimension to the film that was somewhat lacking in the earlier portions. Her character’s evolution is one of the better aspects of Pushpa 2, as she transforms from a supporting character to someone who actively contributes to the story’s emotional core.
Fahadh Faasil’s portrayal of the psychotic police officer Bhanwar Singh Shekhawat is another standout. Faasil, known for his intense roles, is perfectly cast as the main antagonist. However, as the film progresses, his character becomes somewhat cartoonish, with moments that make you question his motivations and actions. His role shifts between that of a police officer and a forest ranger, and the lack of clarity in his character arc weakens his overall impact. The constant switching of antagonistic forces—from Bhanwar Singh to Pratap Reddy, from family members to former associates—feels a bit chaotic, and it’s hard to pinpoint who Pushpa’s main antagonist truly is in Pushpa 2. The film seems to spread itself too thin by introducing too many characters and conflicts without offering sufficient resolution for any of them. This leaves the audience with more questions than answers, especially about certain subplots, such as the unexplained opening scene set in Japan, which doesn't get addressed again in the film.
On the technical front, Pushpa 2 excels in many areas. Cinematographer Miroslaw Kuba Brozek’s visuals enhance the film’s grandeur, especially in the expansive action sequences. The framing, lighting, and composition all work in tandem to give the film a larger-than-life feel. Devi Sri Prasad’s music is another highlight. The music elevates the film’s emotional highs and adds to the intensity of the action sequences, underscoring Pushpa’s unrelenting pursuit of power and control.
In conclusion, while Pushpa 2 is undeniably an entertaining film that capitalizes on Allu Arjun’s immense popularity and larger-than-life presence, it ultimately falters in its narrative structure. The film prioritizes spectacle over story, resulting in a film that feels overly indulgent at times. Despite this, Allu Arjun’s compelling performance and the film’s visual spectacle ensure that Pushpa 2 will likely be a crowd-pleaser. However, had the film focused more on tighter storytelling and a more coherent plot, it could have been a much stronger sequel. As the film ends with a teaser for Pushpa 3: The Rampage, it’s clear that the story isn’t finished yet, and the stakes will likely continue to rise. Fans of Pushpa Raj will be eagerly waiting for the next installment, hoping that the third part brings the necessary balance between spectacle and substance.
