PUSHPA 2  Review

Ashwin Ram

Premise: The conflict continues between the syndicate head Allu Arjun and Police Inspector Fahad Faasil who is against the Red Sandal smuggling. How the drama peaks and the characters deal with it forms the crux of the story.

Writing/ Direction:  The film starts in Japan, it’s a lengthy no-brainer sequence kept just to give a loud intro to the hero. It is probably because the first half has no big action stretches and focuses more on the differences. The re-establishments of the characters and call backs of the happenings are showcased smartly. Terrific conversations and great depth in the human drama that drives the first half in a gripping manner. Even the annoying love portions in the prequel are corrected here and presented in an enjoyable manner. Plenty of memorable situations with good dialogues build the world well, especially the pre-interval is a banger. While the first half is merely fulfilling, the latter is engaging enough with a but. The cat and mouse scenes between Allu Arjun and Fahad Faasil are a lot of fun. The entire ‘Jathara’ segment is truly wildfire, stellar conviction and skillful execution by Sukumar. The last 30 minutes drags to a huge extent for no reason, intended as mad masala that felt like a lost target. The lead to the next part is barely effective, things could have easily gotten concluded at the end but all we get is a disappointing cliffhanger. Many logical errors too, the story arc is incomplete too. The opened brackets in the first part are given a closure here, some are convincingly done and some are not. The brand value element is overexposed at a bunch of places and surname issue is paid off with an excellent emotional scene at the very end, but not as impactful as it should be due to the wastage of time in setting up just before it.

Performances: Terrific performance by Allu Arjun, man has literally lived his character. His attitude in the mind level, his style while exhibiting mass moments and body language during the fight portions leave us awestruck. Rashmika Mandanna’s character gets a huge step-up, she might not be a central character of the film, but encourages the personal side of Pushpa. Fahad Faasil as a psychic cop puts up a clap worthy show, convincing character development, bold at the same time a bizarre finish for him. Supporting characters are a mixed bag, some are mighty and on the other hand some are underwhelming.

Technicalities: Devi Sri Prasad hits it out of the park with his splendid songs. The mishaps within the team has led to a change in the musician for background score, middling work by Sam.C.S that misses to make a strong impact. Gold standard work by cameraman Miroslaw Kuba, beautifully showcasing the grand spectacle as well as the tight drama through his lens. Naveen Nooli’s editing has worked well within the scenes, but a couple of unnecessary big chunks could have been scissored. Stunning action pieces that become a bit repetitive in the flow, still a comfort watch.

Verdict:  An entertaining watch that goes off limits towards the end as the finesse in the script is missing. Yet offers a truckload of dramatic conflicts that are conveyed as solid scenes with ample spices to cherish.

PUSHPA 2: THE RULE - Lengthy Fair, yet an Enjoyable Masala Flick!

Rating - 3/ 5