Pushpa 2 review: Allu Arjun redefines masculinity and power

Telugu superstar Allu Arjun's latest movie, Pushpa 2: The Rule, runs for an ambitious three hours and 15 minutes. While such a lengthy runtime could spell disaster for many films, here it underscores director Sukumar's confidence in his storytelling and Allu Arjun's magnetic screen presence. Pushpa 2 fires on all cylinders, with Sukumar boldly incorporating elements often considered unglamorous or risky.

In the film's second half, Allu Arjun spends a significant portion of the runtime clad in a saree with heavy makeup. And it works—on multiple levels. Sukumar appears to be deconstructing the traditional masculine hero archetype, embracing Pushpa’s feminine side in a grand, unapologetic manner. The visual impact of Pushpa Raj in a saree, facing thugs in stylized combat, elevates the fight scenes from routine to epic. Sukumar even hints at a mythological parallel, likening Pushpa to Ardhanarishvara, the half-man, half-woman form of Lord Shiva.

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Recently, Sukumar admitted he had no concrete story when casting Allu Arjun in Pushpa 1. The same holds true for Pushpa 2. The film prioritizes spectacle over intricate plotting, chronicling Pushpa’s rise as he takes on power-hungry adversaries in primal and rustic ways. Yet, the conviction in Sukumar’s writing, combined with committed performances by Allu Arjun and Rashmika Mandanna, transforms these scenes into memorable moments.

The romance between Pushpa Raj and his wife Srivalli crackles with raw, heartfelt energy, capturing the comfort and passion of a couple truly in sync. Allu Arjun and Rashmika’s infectious chemistry is a highlight, while Rashmika gets her due with impactful scenes that match Allu Arjun's intensity. Fahadh Faasil, as Bhanwar Singh Shekhawat, adds light-heartedness and holds his own amid the film's intense ego clashes.

With at least three standout sequences and a stellar central performance from Allu Arjun, Pushpa 2: The Rule exceeds expectations. Sukumar’s bold choices and unwavering faith in his star make this a sequel that elevates the franchise.

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