Pushpa 2: The Rise Review: A Sequel That Raises the Stakes, But Pushpa Remains The Heart Of It All

Directed by Sukumar, Pushpa 2: The Rule had us all eagerly awaiting its release after the success of Pushpa: The Rise in 2021. This action-packed sequel sees Allu Arjun returning as the charismatic and fierce Pushpa Raj, with Rashmika Mandanna reprising her role as Srivalli and Fahadh Faasil back as the relentless IPS officer Shekhawat. After the events of the first film, the audience was left wondering what the sequel would bring, what would happen to Pushpa and Shekhawat’s rivalry, and whether would Pushpa ever fulfill his dream of ruling the world. This installment feels like the foundation of an ongoing saga of power and politics. And to be honest, as much as I usually say mass films aren’t my thing, this is one franchise that has me hooked, at least for its performances, if not the somewhat predictable storyline. Known for its larger-than-life sets, immersive ambiance, and narrative-driven storytelling, the sequel raises the stakes with a runtime of over three hours, blending drama, high-octane action, and emotional depth.

The story opens with a dramatic reintroduction to Pushpa in Japan, where he finds himself embroiled in a fiery confrontation that leaves him shot. One is left wondering whether this is reality or just the director's attempt to immerse the audience in our protagonist's head, experiencing his nightmares. As the sandalwood smuggler expands his operations, the film weaves a tale of power struggles, political ambitions, and familial ties. Pushpa’s cat-and-mouse game with Shekhawat intensifies as the officer's obsession with capturing him grows, yet the smuggler always seems one step ahead. Alongside the action, the film delves into Pushpa’s personal life, exploring his tender relationship with Srivalli and his determination to protect her honor. Meanwhile, the dynamics with Molleti’s family unravel, setting the stage for an emotionally charged climax. The sequel, however, falters with its uneven storytelling and predictable plot turns, leaving audiences both thrilled and longing for more coherence.

What Works

Performances:

Allu Arjun: There’s no denying that Allu Arjun is one of the biggest stars in the Tollywood industry, and honestly, he might just go down as one of the best actors I've seen. The first part was just the beginning of an ambitious story about a laborer turned sandalwood smuggler on his journey to rule the world. This sequel takes Pushpa to a deeper emotional level, showing us a more vulnerable and complex side of him. As I sat in a packed theater for the film’s first show, Allu's entry alone had the audience whistling, clapping, and cheering. And I totally get why. The film picks up where the first one left off, with Pushpa and Srivalli now married, Pushpa trying to grow as a smuggler, and Shekhawat plotting his revenge. In the first half, Pushpa is as fierce as we know him, but in the second half, we see a side of him that’s not just ruthless but also emotionally driven by love, fear, and rejection. His denied right to the Molleti family name becomes a key emotional arc that adds depth to his character.

Talking about Allu’s performance and not mentioning his reimagined version of Pushpa as Goddess Gangamma Thalli feels like a crime. The way he brings such fiery, raw energy to the classical dance segment; embodying Gangamma Thalli and seamlessly switching to a softer, more vulnerable side as he collapses into Srivalli’s arms is nothing short of incredible. His performance is the kind that makes you stick with the film through its 3-hour 15-minute runtime.

Rashmika Mandanna: Srivalli’s character is written much better in this sequel than in the first part. While I still feel the character development could’ve gone further, Rashmika shines whenever she’s on screen. Though her character’s appeal is mainly tied to being Pushpa’s wife, cooking, cleaning, and caring for him; there are moments where she truly stands out. Her outbursts when she gets angry with Pushpa, or when she’s deep in thought about him, give us a glimpse into her emotional depth. These moments are more about building the dynamic between Pushpa and Srivalli than showcasing her character individually. Still, they offer us a better understanding of their relationship. There’s also a powerful monologue where Srivalli defends Pushpa, calling him virtuous and honest despite not having a family name. Rashmika delivered it well, but a part of me still wishes she had more diverse roles than just playing the loving wife. Overall, she did a great job.

Fahadh Faasil: I’ve always believed in Fahadh Faasil’s ability to nail any role, especially the psychotic ones, and he proves it once again as Shekhawat. If not for Allu Arjun’s Gangamma Thalli arc, Fahadh’s Shekhawat would have easily stolen the show for me. While Shekhawat didn’t get the character arc he deserved, I understand that the franchise’s focus is on Pushpa’s journey. Shekhawat’s lack of depth doesn’t take away from Fahadh’s performance—he is brilliant as always. I found myself rooting for him despite everything.

What Doesn’t Work

As I mentioned earlier, apart from Allu’s Pushpa, most of the characters lack real depth and don’t get proper character arcs. One might expect the antagonists to have more substance, but given the many subplots packed into the 3-hour 15-minute runtime, some of them felt stretched out unnecessarily while others didn’t get the attention they deserved. I would have loved to see more of the Pushpa-Shekhawat rivalry—something that got overshadowed by the political themes and the ‘virtuous woman respecting’ arc. That said, Shekhawat still stands out despite the lack of development.

The songs, apart from Sooseki and the classical Gangamma Thalli Jatara, didn’t leave a lasting impact on me. While they did contribute to the film's hype, I feel they could’ve been trimmed down to give more room for character development and deeper arcs. From a commercial cinema perspective, they worked well, but they didn’t add much to the storytelling.

Verdict: The Sequel Stays Centered On Pushpa, For Better Or Worse. Regardless, We’re Sat!

Overall, Pushpa 2: The Rule delivers an intense mix of drama, action, and emotion, with Allu Arjun once again proving why he's the perfect fit for the role of Pushpa Raj. His performance, especially in the reimagined Gangamma Thalli sequence, is nothing short of mesmerizing. While Rashmika Mandanna adds depth to Srivalli, and Fahadh Faasil shines as the relentless Shekhawat, the film struggles with character development for some key players and a slightly convoluted storyline. The film's pacing and subplots sometimes feel stretched, but the high-octane action and powerful performances, particularly from Allu Arjun, make it an engaging watch. While some of the songs and political arcs may not resonate as strongly, the film successfully elevates the Pushpa saga, setting the stage for the franchise’s future.