Directed by: Sukumar
Produced by:Naveen Yerneni,Yalamanchili Ravi Shankar
Starring:Allu Arjun,Rashmika Mandanna,Fahadh Faasil
Cinematography:Miroslaw Kuba Brozek
Edited by:Naveen Nooli
Music by:
Songs:Devi Sri Prasad
Background Score:Sam C.S
Release date:5 December 2024
Language:Telugu
Pushpa 2: The Rule is an Indian Telugu-language action drama film, directed by Sukumar and produced by Mythri Movie Makers, in association with Sukumar Writings. The film stars Allu Arjun in the titular role, alongside Rashmika Mandanna, Fahadh Faasil, Jagapathi Babu, Dhananjaya, Rao Ramesh, Sunil and Anasuya Bharadwaj. It is the second instalment in the Pushpa film series and the sequel to the 2021 film Pushpa: The Rise.
Before the release of Pushpa: The Rise in 2021, the film was announced to release in two parts, with the filmmakers stating that the maiden part would release that year, whereas the latter part would release the year after (2022).but late plans changed too many times and ended the release date as 5th December 2024.
Buisiness
The film made a record of the highest pre-release business in India, with combined theatrical and non-theatrical business of βΉ1085 crores.
Prior to its release, the film made a business of nearly βΉ640 crore from its theatrical rights. The Andhra Pradesh and Telangana distribution rights were sold for βΉ220 crore .The Hindi dubbed distribution rights were sold for βΉ200 crore . The film made a combined deal of βΉ100 crore from distribution in Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Kerala theatres. The overseas distribution rights were sold for βΉ140 crore . It further made βΉ425 crore from non-theatrical rights, including digital, satellite and music rights.
Expectations
Director Sukumar ,”A class director in the Telugu industry, bringing fresh air to the world of mass masala films. A director who creates magic with his brilliant writing. However, his career’s worst writing and biggest success are ironically in the same film.. Pushpa (barring Allu Arjun’s performance and Devi Sri Prasad’s music) is an item that lacks the quality of his previous films. If he can overcome his writing flaws, Pushpa 2 -TheRule is going to be the biggest success Indian cinema has ever seen!”
Review
Director Sukumar’s Pushpa 2: The Rule is a mixed bag, offering moments of brilliance yet weighed down by significant shortcomings. The film builds on the immense success of its predecessor but ultimately falls short of meeting its massive expectations. While it remains a decent commercial entertainer, the narrative falters under the weight of a lackluster second half, inconsistent writing, and an unnecessary attempt to stretch the story into multiple parts.
The film begins where Pushpa: The Rise ended, with the first half focusing on drama and character dynamics. Allu Arjun reprises his role as Pushpa with incredible energy, once again proving why he is one of the finest actors in tollywood. His performance is undoubtedly the film’s strongest pillar, with his charisma and screen presence elevating even the weakest moments. The dialogues and Pushpa’s characterization anchor the first half, which, while slow at times, still manages to engage the audience.
The second half starts off on a high note, especially with the much-hyped Jathara sequence, which is visually stunning and well-executed. However, what follows is a drastic dip in pacing and storytelling. The last hour is particularly underwhelming, with a meandering plot that struggles to justify its runtime. The climax feels flat, with no real impact, and the announcement of Pushpa 3: The Rampage comes across as forced and unnecessary.
Sukumar, known for his strong storytelling and intricate screenplays, disappoints this time. The film lacks the emotional depth and narrative complexity that defined his earlier works. Instead of a cohesive story, Pushpa 2 focuses on loosely connected events, relying heavily on forced elevations and action sequences. Characters that were strong and compelling in the first part, such as Fahadh Faasil’s Bhanwar Singh Shekhawat, are sidelined and underutilized. Daali dhananjaya’s charecter ,Sunil & anasuya etc have same fate in part two.Fahadh, a powerhouse performer, is given very little to work with, reducing his role to a shadow of its former self. Similarly, Rashmika Mandannaβs character gets a stronger role on paper but ultimately falls flat, failing to leave a lasting impression.
Technically, the film is a mixed bag. The background score is excellent and adds to the drama, but the overall execution lacks finesse. The interval scene is the only part where Sukumarβs brilliance shines through, with clever staging and dramatic tension. However, the writing in the second half feels rushed and uninspired, leaving the audience with a sense of dissatisfaction.
The filmβs biggest flaw lies in its lack of purpose. It feels like an unnecessary sequel stretched into two parts to capitalize on the brandβs popularity. The core of the story is missing, and the stakes feel artificial. The much-talked-about Jathara episode, where Pushpa dons a saree, lacks a convincing reason and seems like a mere gimmick.
In conclusion, Pushpa 2 is a film that relies heavily on Allu Arjunβs electrifying performance to keep it afloat. While it delivers moments of drama and entertainment, the weak screenplay, overlong runtime, and unconvincing climax drag it down. Sukumarβs writing, usually a hallmark of his films, is surprisingly subpar, making this his weakest work to date. Fans of the first part may still find some joy in this sequel, but for others, it may leave much to be desired. Despite its flaws, Allu Arjunβs performance makes it worth a watch, but the filmβs inability to deliver a strong narrative raises questions about the necessity of a third part.
Bottomline
Fans of the first part may still find some joy in this sequel, but for others, it may leave much to be desired.
