plot
The story of Pushpa 2: The Rule begins from where Pushpa: The Rise ended, with Pushpa (Allu Arjun) establishing himself as a formidable figure in the illegal sandalwood business. Despite being in the illegal sandalwood business, abusing his powers and doing a lot of illegal things, Pushpa remains a man of principles. He respects his wife Srivalli (Rashmika Mandanna) more than anyone. Also, he can go to any extent to protect his family and loved ones.
The film explores Inspector Shekhawat (Fahadh Faasil) and his efforts to expand his empire while dealing with the emerging threat from other rivals who threaten his dominance. As Pushpa grows in power, the stakes get higher, but her journey becomes complicated due to personal and professional conflicts.
Watch Pushpa 2: The Rule to know how Pushpa’s character evolves and how she proves her dominance over all her enemies.
What works for Pushpa 2: Rules
The main strength of Pushpa 2 lies in its action sequences, which are nothing short of extraordinary. The film is full of high-octane moments, and Sukumar knows how to deliver an adrenaline rush. Two action sequences that particularly stand out are the Jathara scene after the interval and the climax fight. The mass appeal of the film is evident in every frame, and Pushpa’s larger-than-life portrayal ensures that fans will continue to cheer for her, making it a treat for the masses.
Another major strength of the film is its humor. The comedy in Pushpa 2 is impressive and lightens the tense moments effectively. This adds depth to the characterization of the film, making the film more entertaining than a regular action-packed thriller. Pushpa’s characterization remains as excellent as the first part. Fans who loved the first part will find this sequel to be exactly what they want, which is Pushpa’s signature charisma, style and larger-than-life attitude.
The film does not experiment too much and performs as per the audience’s expectations, making it a credible and commercial entertainer. While the hook of the third part is not particularly exciting, Pushpa’s character alone provides enough incentive to see what happens next.
What doesn’t work for Pushpa 2: Rules
Despite the thrill and action, Pushpa 2 has some significant flaws. With a runtime of 200 minutes, the film feels longer than necessary. The pace drags at some parts, and the film becomes tiring, especially in its second half. The film could have easily been cut by about 30-40 minutes without losing its essence.
The music is another disappointing thing in Pushpa 2. Although the songs aren’t particularly bad, they don’t have the same impact as the first film. The screenplay, though effective in parts, is overly convenient at times. Pushpa’s invincibility, especially against her enemies, makes the story predictable. He feels as if no one is able to challenge him, which reduces the tension and excitement. For example, the character of Inspector Shekhawat does not seem as scary as he should be. While Fahadh Faasil gives a solid performance, the character’s lack of depth makes his presence feel more like a caricature than menacing.
Watch the trailer of Pushpa 2
Performance in Pushpa 2: The Rule
Allu Arjun shines as Pushpa. His performance is a masterclass in action and comedy. She owns every frame with her energy and screen presence, and her portrayal of Pushpa’s raw aggression mixed with charm works wonders. However, there is a slight problem with his dialect, as some of his lines are difficult to understand. Fahadh Faasil, despite being a brilliant actor, struggles to make a big impact as Inspector Shekhawat. The character lacks the depth needed to be truly memorable, and it weakens Fasil’s ability in the role.
Rashmika Mandanna as Srivalli is refreshing and brings a much-needed balance to the otherwise intense atmosphere of the film. Her sizzling chemistry with Allu Arjun is a highlight. The supporting cast delivers competent performances. They play their part but don’t stand out.
final call
Pushpa 2: The Rule is a quintessential mass entertainer that will definitely satisfy fans of the franchise. It delivers the action, drama and charisma that made the first part so popular. Yes, the film struggles with its pace, convenience in the script, and lack of strong opponents to keep the story thrilling. But, its commercial appeal and excellent action set pieces ensure that Pushpa 2 remains a must-watch film for cinema lovers at large in packed theatres.
You can watch Pushpa 2: The Rule in theaters now.
Also read: Pushpa 2 Final Advance Booking India: Allu Arjun, Rashmika Mandanna’s film Storms earns around Rs 85 crore in pre-sales on the first day
