So! Making a sequel to a superhit film is not easy. Several previous pan-India films have been significant examples of this fact. However, Allu Arjun’s Pushpa 2: The Rule has now emerged as a prime example of what can go wrong in a sequel when a filmmaker and actor are keen on an ego-based film instead of focusing on its dangling story. Also, music composer Devi Sri Prasad, who gave superhit songs like ‘Teri Jhalak Asharfi’ and ‘Oo Antwaa’ in Pushpa: The Rise, disappoints in the sequel. Anyway, if this film is getting any praise, it should be only because of Allu Arjun and his swag. This time the actor looks more comfortable and dedicated and why not? He has been playing the role of Pushparaj for 5 years now.

Pushpa 2 is mainly divided into three stories – Pushparaj vs CM, Pushparaj vs Shekhawat, and Pushpa’s childhood trauma. Yes! Shrivalli’s character is as insignificant as the female speakers in the parliament this time. This time Sukumar brings Srileela on his way, but he does not have Samantha’s saltiness. In the Hindi version, Shreyas Talpade has once again brought the character of Pushpa Raj alive on screen.

Story

Director Sukumar has done the same this time as he took the story of the film from foreign lands to the red sandalwood forests through sketches by sea last time. Pushpa 2 starts from a port in Japan and swings between Southern India and several international seashores. Sukumar got the help he expected from his characters in this performance. Jagadish Bhandari, Jagapathi Babu, Rao Ramesh, and Brahmaji all look adept in their roles. The last time the story was about winning the heart of Srivalli and this time the story is about getting his mother the respect in his own house for which Pushparaj has suffered since childhood.

The viewers of the film might not have got to see as much tension between Pushparaj and Bhanwar Singh Shekhawat IPS as expected, but after the family storm comes to the fore, the film seems to be back on track but gets completely lost in the last 30 minutes of the film. In order to start work for the third part, Pushpa 3: The Rampage, the makers have interrupted the climax of the film.

Acting

This time the story moves ahead completely with the ‘obstinate’ and ‘do anything’ decisions of Pushpa Raj. Also, Fahadh Faasil, who has played better villainous roles in the past, has got a raw deal in Pushpa 2. However, both these actors have done a pretty good job in pitting each other against each other, especially in the scenes where there are dialogues but only eye-acting. Fahadh Faasil’s character did not give him much chance to shine this time. Rashmika Mandanna has done a better job than him by bringing out her brother-in-law’s threat in just one scene. The audience expected a Samantha-like performance from Sreeleela in the song ‘Kisik’ but she could not do much. Anyway, if this film is getting praise then it should be only because of Allu Arjun and his swag. This time the actor looks more comfortable and dedicated and why not? He has been playing the role of Pushparaj for 5 years now.

Direction

The biggest flaw of the film lies in its writing. AR Prabhav, Sukumar, and Srikanth Vissa could neither stick to a story nor do justice to it nor have they been able to live up to the expectations of the audience after the first part. However, amid the criticism of the makers, cinematographer Kuba Brozek Miroslav should be appreciated for his brilliant work. From the sandalwood forests to the tussle between the actors, Miroslav has done everything with ease. Pushpa 2 is given half a star more for its jatara scene and two consecutive songs after that as well as Allu Arjun’s tandava dance as Kaali. But just as the makers fill you with excitement with the most successful sequence of the film, they disappoint with a climax. Also, music director Devi Sri Prasad seems to be a victim of overconfidence here, the reason for which could be his weak command of Hindi. This is where MM Keeravani and AR Rahman perform brilliantly, they break the language barriers and win.

Decision

Pushpa 2: The Rule lacks depth and a solid storyline. The film, which is juggled between too many stories, struggles in the pre-interval and climax portions. Despite this, the action sequences are terrific, especially the jatara sequence, which is top-notch. Allu Arjun’s Pushparaj may have gone astray in many ways, but the actor’s swag, charm, and on-point dialogue delivery remain constant. Fahadh Faasil disappoints as Shekhawat and Rashmika verges on annoying as Srivalli. The film has begun work for its third part and it is safe to say that this might be the last chance for the makers to repeat the mistake made in the sequel. The film is worth a one-time watch and deserves only 2.5 stars. Pushpa 2: The Rule is out now in Hindi, Tamil, Kannada, Bengal,i and Malayalam languages ​​in theatres near you.