An unconventional hero, Pushpa, rises from obscurity to become a godfather-like figure in the city of Chittoor in contemporary Indian cinema. A laborer with a feminine name and a deep-seated desire for respect and legitimacy, Pushpa transforms into the head of a sandalwood smuggling operation due to his intelligence and courage.
The brilliance of actor Allu Arjun brings the character to life, showcasing an impressive range of emotions, dance moves, and even combat skills in "Pushpa 2: The Rule". Despite the film's long runtime of 200 minutes, the ambition and audacity of writer-director Sukumar Bandreddi keeps the audience hooked. The plot revolves around Pushpa's duels with Bhanwar Singh Shekhawat (Fahadh Faasil), a new character introduced in the previous film, "Pushpa: The Rise."
The sequel displays Sukumar’s creative prowess, with plenty of surprise elements and emotional moments. The film also features other well-portrayed characters such as Shekhawat and Pushpa's wife, Srivalli (Rashmika Mandanna). The narrative, however, falters slightly due to its constant maximum mode, resulting in a loss of grip over time. But each scene neatly establishes Pushpa's cunning and courage, making the film a tribute to its hero.
Despite some cinematic liberties and an underdeveloped female character, the movie’s thrilling sequences and impactful background score add to its overall allure. The film might exhaust the viewers with its length and pace, but it definitely leaves them eagerly waiting for "Pushpa 3: The Rampage."
