Divya Nair applauds Pushpa: The Rule.
There is more than one reason why Pushpa: The Rule is among the most awaited films of 2024.
Director Sukumar and Allu Arjun began their successful journey with the Arya franchise and took it up a notch higher with Pushpa: The Rise, which became one of the highest grossers of 2021.
The fact that Allu Arjun hasn't taken up any project since 2021 was also a test of patience for his pan-India fans, most of who have pre-booked their tickets and thronged theatres to watch it on the first day of release.
The prequel ended with Allu Arjun's rise from a mamooli red sandalwood coolie to the head of the smuggling syndicate.
Each time someone hurt his ego, we saw how Pushpa would aim higher and give us a moral lesson, as if to justify his criminal activities. Needless to say, we had seen him make more foes than he had planned to in the first installment.
Pushpa 2 is about the smuggler king's ruthless dominance over the market.
The entry scene takes place at a port in Japan where the mafia men try to stop Pushpa, by tying one of his legs and hanging him upside down.
The stunts, right from that sequence, is proof that Allu Arjun is the star of disruption. Whether you tie his legs or cuff his hands, Pushpa will fight back and how!
Each stunt is choreographed with brilliance, and Allu delivers it to perfection. His mid-air moves are swift, clean, and creative, and the slow-motion scenes are effective for theatre audiences.
When his wife Srivalli (the fiery Rashmika Mandanna) requests him to take a picture with the chief minister of Andhra Pradesh, she wouldn't imagine the extent he would go to make it happen.
Among the many people standing in the way of his ambition is Inspector Bhanwar Singh Shekhawat (the fabulous Fahad Faasil), a worthy antagonist who challenges Pushpa's every move.
Fahadh's mean, narcissistic villain streak continues in Pushpa 2 -- Shekhawat's evil smile doesn't mask his arrogance.
And each time Shekhawat tries to outsmart Pushpa, the latter puts him back in place, sometimes with an extra dose of humour.
The scene where the two men, standing on either side of the fence, talk in Dumb Charades is epic.
Kuppuraj's (Brahmaji) timely interceptions, only add spice to their conversation. Perhaps the scene is a subtle doff to FaFa's character from Aavesham (if you know, you know).
The apology scene, the simmering face-off between Shekhawat and Pushpa is neatly written and accomplished.
The Jatra dance and stunt scene will probably go down in history as one of Allu Arjun's finest performances in a film.
Like he promises in the trailer, Pushpa takes bigger risks and attracts more enemies along the way, either to fulfill his wife's desires or to protect his niece from a bunch of goons.
Allu Arjun is fantabulous as the doting husband, emotion-loving son and risk-taking entrepreneur. Pushpa escalates his brand from fire to wildfire.
Rashmika as Srivalli outperforms herself as the companion worth rooting for: Fiery, independent and grounded.
The music and background score by Devi Prasad is a sweeping hit already.
What I continue to dislike about the Pushpa franchise is the portrayal of its women.
We are in 2024. Do we still need to show a male protecting a woman from a bunch of rapists?
The makers could have thought a little more unconventionally and let the woman take charge. It would have added a whole new dimension to smuggler Pushparaj, the man who respects women so much that he would hesitate to cuss in their presence.
Allu Arjun promises a rollicking ride of emotions -- from humour and romance to dance and emotions, action, and revenge, which is amplified by the presence of Fahadh Faasil, who rightfully deserves a plump role in the next: Pushpa: The Rampage.
The climax lingers with an emotional touch as Pushpa's elder brother and his family accept and warmly welcome him home for his niece's wedding.
Just when you are wondering what happened to the other potential antagonists who were sidelined, the movie ends with Pushpa's not-so-well-wishers coming together with Shekhawat leading from the front.
What do you think would make the rampage worthy enough for Pushpa 3?
