Pushpa 2: The Rule Movie Review

Pushpa 2: The Rule – Ratings Breakdown

• Average Rating: 3.46/5
• Score: 100% Positive
• Total Reviews Counted: 8
  • Positive: 8
  • Neutral: 0
  • Negative: 0

Individual Rating

Full Review of Pushpa 2: The Rule

Director: Sukumar
Cast: Allu Arjun, Rashmika Mandanna, Fahadh Faasil, Jagapathi Babu, and others.
Release Date: December 5, 2024.

Plot Overview

The story picks up after the events of Pushpa: The Rise, continuing the journey of Pushpa Raj (Allu Arjun), now firmly established as the head of the red sandalwood smuggling syndicate. The sequel explores his struggles to expand his empire internationally while dealing with multiple adversaries, including Bhanwar Singh Shekhawat (Fahadh Faasil) and a new antagonist, Pratap Reddy (Jagapathi Babu). Pushpa’s personal life also gets more attention, highlighting his relationship with Srivalli (Rashmika Mandanna) and his growing influence as a folk hero.

The film’s narrative begins in an international setting but gradually shifts back to Pushpa’s roots in Andhra Pradesh. The central conflict revolves around Pushpa facing numerous threats, both from within his syndicate and external forces like corrupt politicians and rival smugglers.

1. Allu Arjun’s Performance:
   • Allu Arjun delivers a career-defining performance, blending raw intensity and charisma. His portrayal of Pushpa Raj remains compelling, with standout scenes including his emotional breakdown before the climax and his dance in the Jaathara sequence.
   • Rashmika Mandanna shines in a more prominent role, with her monologue during the Jaathara ritual being a highlight.
2. Visuals and Music:
   • Miroslaw Kuba Brozek’s cinematography elevates the film, capturing the grandeur of its settings and action sequences.
   • Devi Sri Prasad’s soundtrack and background score complement the film’s dramatic tone, with songs and music cues adding to its theatrical appeal.
3. Action and Drama:
   • The action choreography is a spectacle, with over-the-top sequences that amplify Pushpa’s larger-than-life persona.
4. Cultural Depth:
   • The Jaathara sequence, where Pushpa Raj performs a ritual in a saree, is a standout moment, blending cultural authenticity with cinematic flair.

Weaknesses

1. Pacing Issues:
   • At 3 hours and 20 minutes, the film feels bloated. Some scenes, especially the kidnapping subplot and extended action sequences, drag unnecessarily.
2. Fragmented Storytelling:
   • The film introduces multiple antagonists, resulting in a lack of focus and unresolved subplots. Key sequences, such as the opening set in Japan, fail to tie back into the main narrative effectively.
3. Overindulgence in Fan Service:
   • While fans will relish the larger-than-life moments, the emphasis on style over substance detracts from the storytelling.

Critical Reception

• Critics have praised the film’s technical achievements and performances, particularly Allu Arjun’s. However, the disjointed narrative and over-reliance on dramatic moments have drawn criticism.
• Ratings range between 2.5 and 3 out of 5 stars, with the consensus being that Pushpa 2: The Rule succeeds as a visual spectacle but falls short of the impact and coherence of its predecessor.

Conclusion

Pushpa 2: The Rule is a feast for fans of Allu Arjun and larger-than-life cinema, offering high-octane action and stunning visuals. However, its length and uneven storytelling make it less effective as a standalone film. For fans, it lays the groundwork for an intriguing Pushpa 3.

The production budget of Pushpa 2 is estimated to be between Rs 400 and 500 crore. The face of the Pushpa franchise, Allu Arjun, reportedly charged Rs 300 crore for his role which established him as one of the highest-paid actors in Indian cinema’s history.