The new and updated version of Allu Arjun’s Pushpa 2: The Rule is hitting the theaters from January 17. This updated version, titled Pushpa 2: The Rule Reloaded, includes 20 minutes of additional footage, increasing the total duration to 3 hours and 40 minutes. minutes compared to 3 hours and 20 minutes of the original version.

An additional 20 minutes of additional footage significantly expands the film’s narrative, giving the story a better treatment. The extended runtime neither feels cumbersome nor takes away from the entertainment value of the film. Instead, it addresses the criticisms unanimously leveled by critics and audiences when it was released worldwide on December 5.

Here are five reasons why the ‘Reloaded’ version is better than the original:

An all-round healthy experience

A major complaint about the original version was that the characterization felt rushed and lacked sufficient time for development. The focus of the original version was placed entirely on Pushpa’s antics and swag. The added footage introduces scenes that give more depth to Pushpa’s character. It also added intensity to the story, and turned it into much more than a commercial potboiler driven by the main character’s adrenaline rush.

Here is the review of Pushpa 2: The Rule:

More screen time for other characters

By focusing all the focus on Pushpa, the makers did injustice to the other characters whom they developed beautifully in the first part. Due to lack of screen time and lack of established scenes, except Pushpa and Srivalli, every other character felt weak, including Fahadh Faasil’s Bhanwar Singh Shekhawat. With the added scenes, it becomes clear that all the important characters now have important roles in the film. The decision to remove such moments from the original version affected the overall experience of the film, which has now been rectified in the new version.

Plot holes covered, questions answered

It seems that the plot holes in the original version have been appropriately closed in the Reloaded version, as the added 20 minutes of footage answers many of the questions viewers were asking. What happened to Pushpa in Japan? How did Pushpa survive for more than 40 days in a container? Why did Pushpa’s brother suddenly change? What happened to Pushpa’s chain? Why did Shekhawat become mentally disturbed so easily? What happened to Jakka Reddy and Jaali Reddy? These questions exposed plot flaws in the original version. The added footage not only addresses these questions but also makes the script more entertaining and engaging.

Better setup for Pushpa 3: Stampede

Many viewers expressed weariness over the announcement of a third installment in Pushparaj’s story at the end of the sequel. This reaction stems from the fact that the conflict provoked third part The clash between Allu Arjun’s Pushpa and Fahadh Faasil’s SP Shekhawat did not seem as exciting as it was, which was excellently established by the end of the first part.

The added footage focuses somewhat on Dhananjay’s Jaali Reddy, who is recovering from the injury inflicted on him by Pushpa and is determined to take revenge. It develops the character of Jagapathi Babu into a more dangerous villain than the original version. Additionally, the additional footage establishes Pushpa’s international connections, opening doors for the smuggler to work in the big leagues.

Bhanwar Singh Shekhawat got big relief

Fahadh Faasil’s character introduction in the first part was so impressive that the audience was eagerly waiting for SP Shekhawat’s next move after Pushpa disarmed him at the end of the first film to prove a point. he was one great disappointment Seeing such a strong character become weak for an incompetent officer became nothing more than a small joke. One can compare him to the older version of Avesham’s Ranga Anna, with bad jokes and less charm.

Although the reloaded version does not completely change this perception, it does provide some compensation. The added footage includes scenes that highlight Shekhawat’s dangerous nature and his constant pursuit of Pushpa’s downfall. Will this be enough to build anticipation for the character’s return in the third part? Well, it may not work like the first part, but it establishes that this is not the end for Bhanwar Singh Shekhawat.

Here is the promo of Pushpa 2: The Rule Reloaded:

Although spending four hours in a theater for a movie may seem exhausting, the extra 20 minutes are undeniably beneficial to the story, especially if there is going to be a follow-up. according to the composer Devi Sri Prasad, Director Sukumar Have started working on the story of Pushpa 3: The Rampage.

Pushpa 2: The Rule is a Telugu film starring Allu Arjun in the lead role of Pushparaj. The film features an ensemble cast, including Rashmika Mandanna, Fahadh Faasil, Jagapathi Babu, Sunil, Dali Dhananjay and Sreeleela in special appearances.

The film was released in theaters on December 5, 2024 and has grossed over Rs 1800 crore during its run.