Sequels to blockbuster movies can be let-downs. They often fail to live up to expectations due to poor execution. Not every other sequel rises up to The Godfather heights. Pushpa 2: The Rule, the much awaited sequel to Pushpa The Rise has been released in theatres worldwide, and the makers have left no stone unturned in promoting it. The sequel marks the efflorescence or blossoming of Pushpa.
SS Rajamouli, the maverick director, aptly put it, “Pushpa doesn't need promotions because the entire world is looking forward to the sequel.” But does the movie live up to the hype? Now that is a 100 crore question! Well, Sukumar seems to have cracked the secret code of success formula in his own unique style.
Plot
Pushpa 2: The Rule picks up from where the first part left off. Pushparaj (Allu Arjun) is now living a life of luxury, with a massive bungalow, assistants at his beck and call, and a swanky Pajero. He has all the perks of a high life. Bhanwar Singh Shekawat (Fahadh Faasil) is still seething with anger and humiliation, and vows to take revenge on Pushpa. Meanwhile, Pushpa strikes a lucrative deal with an international smuggler and goes all out to deliver. But does he succeed with obstacles like Anasuya, Sunil and Jagapathi Babu? The twists in the plot make you gasp. You will have to watch the movie to find out.
Analysis
In most mass entertainers, filmmakers reduce women to mere arm candies. However, Sukumar gives equal weightage to not just Rashmika, but also another actress in the sequel. Allu Arjun is a mass hero, and he pushes the boundaries in Pushpa 2. Be it his signature walk, performance in well crafted action sequences, or dialogue delivery in the local lingo of Chittoor—Bunny is outstanding. The range of his expressions, especially in the jatara song where he dons a saree, gives you goosebumps, and his energy is infectious. He has proved yet again that he is one of the best dancers in Indian cinema. Rashmika does a great job of playing a doting wife, who doesn't spare a chance to hit back at those insulting her husband.
And then there’s Fahadh Faasil! He goes above and beyond to render a stellar performance. An honest cop with a hint of craziness is a deadly combination, and Fahadh delivers it effortlessly. He is up against the hero of the film, but he keeps it simple and just performs, matching Bunny’s powerful character in every scene. It’s a delight to watch the Tom and Jerry moments between the duo. The rest of the cast members have given the required support to elevate scenes in the movie.
Technical Dept
Sukumar knows what fans want, and he adds all the ingredients required to make a masala potboiler and serves it hot! You can’t help but appreciate the way he turns the cat and mouse game into a compelling action drama. The BGM does an excellent job of taking every scene in the movie up a notch.
The cinematography by Miroslaw Brozek is top class, especially the way the Tamil Nadu forest region and Sri Lankan waters are captured. The camera work in action sequences too is noteworthy. The editing is crisp and neat with not a dull moment for the audience.
Technical Dept
Sukumar knows what fans want, and he adds all the ingredients required to make a masala potboiler and serves it hot! You can’t help but appreciate the way he turns the cat and mouse game into a compelling action drama. The BGM does an excellent job of taking every scene in the movie up a notch.
Verdict
Pushpa 2 has all the elements of a mass entertainer, served in the right quantities to appeal to all sections of the audience. It wouldn’t be wrong to say that Pushpa as a brand will never go out of fashion because Sukumar will continue to bet on this winning horse because this wildfire is all set to go on a rampage in part 3. And there’s no disputing that Bunny has cemented his position of being a Pan India sensation.
Rating: 3.5/5
