Pushpa 2: The Ruleis an intriguing, sprawling spectacle. It's larger, louder, and undeniably more compelling than its predecessor, though the comparison feels moot given the low bar it had to surpass. The film is excessively indulgent and dauntingly long, embracing a maximalist world where brevity has no place. At times, the narrative feels jarring, with pieces that don’t quite align. Yet, these moments are eclipsed by sequences bursting with raw energy and unrestrained swagger — pure, unapologetic masala.
Fan service flows generously, almost to the brink of excess, but the film also carries an unexpected ambition. It boldly attempts to push the boundaries of the masala entertainer, striving for something greater. Unlike its predecessor, it offers small, scattered payoffs that accumulate into a more rewarding experience. The third act, rooted in an old-school narrative style, feels like a relic from another time. However, it crescendos with a twist so audacious and absurd that it succeeds purely through conviction.
The result is a messy yet magnetic affair — flawed but unforgettable. It's a collision of mass appeal and masala tropes, where the good and the bad coexist. Ultimately, it’s a cinematic rollercoaster that leaves you both bewildered and thoroughly entertained.
What becomes unmistakably clear in this sequel is its purpose. A vision that Sukumar, the filmmaker, wields with utmost clarity, proving he has always known the game and the soul of his story. Allu Arjun’s performance — arguably the greatest leading-man act in a masala affair in a long time, only growing stronger with the second part (more on that later). It was also in the very fabric of the story. Pushpa, a working-class hero rising from rags to riches (Deewaar), is, more specifically, a “coolie” who stands staunchly for the wronged (Coolie), a bastard son seeking acceptance
Comments