December 5, 2024: After the overwhelming success of Pushpa: The Rise, expectations for Pushpa 2: The Rule were sky-high. Director Sukumar returns with the much-awaited sequel, once again starring Allu Arjun as the fierce and unstoppable Pushpa Raj. But while the film boasts grand visuals, larger-than-life action, and a star-studded ensemble, does it hold onto the raw, grounded charm that made the original such a hit? Let’s dive into a fresh perspective on the film that attempts to take Pushpa’s story to international heights.
A Global Push for Pushpa: Bigger, But at What Cost?
There’s no denying that Pushpa 2 aims for the skies. From the outset, Sukumar emphasizes that this is a film on a larger scale. The scale of ambition is immediately visible: from Japanese ports to Dubai’s lavish landscapes, and even a helicopter purchase in the Middle East, the film stretches its narrative across international borders. While this expansion could have offered exciting storytelling opportunities, it feels like the film is trying too hard to impress rather than staying true to what made Pushpa’s journey relatable and gripping.
The beauty of the first film was its simplicity — Pushpa’s rise from the backwaters of rural India to the criminal underworld was grounded in real emotions and relatable struggles. In Pushpa 2, Sukumar’s attempt to make the story more “pan-Indian” and “global” dilutes the authenticity. These over-the-top sequences, though visually stunning, feel forced and sometimes jarring against the otherwise gritty tone of the film.
Pushpa 2: The Rule Review: Pushpa Raj: The Same, But Different
Allu Arjun’s portrayal of Pushpa Raj remains the cornerstone of the franchise. The actor brings the same intensity and swagger to the role, and it’s clear that Pushpa is now an even bigger name than before. He continues to embody the “flower” who doesn’t need to shout about his greatness — his actions speak louder than words. But in this sequel, it’s almost as if the film struggles to find new layers for Pushpa’s character. Despite the grand visuals, Pushpa’s internal conflict and the nuances that made him compelling in the first movie often get overshadowed by spectacle.
In one of the film’s few tender moments, Pushpa’s vulnerability surfaces when he breaks down emotionally with his family, reminding us of the depth that made his character stand out. But these moments are few and far between, as the film’s focus shifts to action sequences and extended confrontations. The emotional depth that worked so well in the original is harder to find here.
Srivalli: More Style, Less Substance
Rashmika Mandanna’s character, Srivalli, gets much less screen time this time around, which is a shame because her chemistry with Pushpa in the first film was electric. In Pushpa 2, Srivalli’s role feels more ornamental, existing to serve specific plot points rather than as an emotionally integral character. What’s even more concerning is how the film handles her sexuality. While it’s refreshing to see a woman express her desires openly, this is undermined by the oversexualization of her character, turning what could have been a progressive portrayal into something uncomfortable.
Her character arc never quite finds its footing, and Rashmika, despite her acting chops, sometimes comes across as more of a caricature than a fully fleshed-out role.
The Sequel Struggles with Pacing and Length
At 200 minutes, Pushpa 2 feels undeniably bloated. The first half of the movie moves at a brisk pace, but once Pushpa and his antagonist, Shekhawat (Fahadh Faasil), are introduced, the momentum slows down. Repetitive dialogues and filler scenes make the plot feel unnecessarily stretched. The film’s overreliance on action sequences, while grand, often feels like padding. It’s a shame, as the film contains moments of brilliance that could have been explored further but are buried under long stretches of unnecessary content.
Moreover, the announcement of yet another sequel at the end of the movie leaves a sense of unfinished business, making the whole experience feel incomplete. It begs the question: Could this sequel have been trimmed down to deliver a more concise, impactful story?
Fahadh Faasil: The Unstoppable Force
Fahadh Faasil as Shekhawat is a standout. He is menacing yet subtle, delivering one of the film’s best performances. His face-off with Pushpa, while highly anticipated, plays out as a slow-burn rather than an all-out battle. Faasil’s understated menace contrasts beautifully with Allu Arjun’s fiery intensity, making their scenes together a masterclass in acting. The film’s few slow-burning moments of tension between the two are its most compelling.
Technically Brilliant, But Sometimes Overindulgent
On the technical side, Pushpa 2 shines. The cinematography, particularly in the action sequences, is top-notch, and Miroslaw Kuba Brozek’s work makes the movie visually striking. The film’s score, composed by Devi Sri Prasad, complements the intense mood with powerful background music that elevates the drama. However, as the film ramps up the global scale of Pushpa’s journey, it begins to lose that unique rustic charm that made the first film such a hit.
The action sequences are breathtaking but often feel like the film is trying too hard to outdo itself, which detracts from their impact. There’s a lack of balance between spectacle and emotional weight, making it harder to stay engaged throughout the entire runtime.
Pushpa 2: The Rule Review: Final Thoughts: A Sequel That Aims for the Stars but Lands Far Short
While Pushpa 2: The Rule has all the hallmarks of a big-budget spectacle — stunning visuals, a star-studded cast, and a globally expanded narrative — it struggles to find the heart that made the first film so beloved. Sukumar’s attempt to make Pushpa’s world bigger and more universal comes at the cost of the authenticity and emotional depth that defined the original. The film is at its best when it slows down and allows its characters to breathe, but these moments are few and far between.
For fans of Pushpa: The Rise, the sequel might be an enjoyable ride, but it’s hard not to feel like the film misses the mark on what made the first part so captivating. The grand ambition is there, but the soul of the film often gets lost in the chase for scale.
