Pushpa 2 The Rule: Allu Arjun is the wild fire who will make theatres hoot; Fahadh, Rashmika Mandanna shine

The most hyped movie of the year Pushpa 2 is here. After three long years, Allu Arjun are getting to see back in the shoes of Pushparaj, the anti-establishment smuggler who knows no fear. The hype around the film in insane with people predicting an opening day of Rs 250 crore plus which is a record for any Indian movie. The response towards the trailer and on ground events have proved that Allu Arjun has a huge organic fan base in India that would make any superstar envious. Does Pushpa 2 live upto the hype? Is Allu Arjun's epic act enough to make it an unforgettable blockbuster? Let us find out...

What it is about...

The scene starts in the port of Yokohama where we see Allu Arjun fighting the Japanese to retrieve his money. Hanging upside down on a crane over the ocean this is an entry designed for his fans. The scene shifts to the forests of Andhra Pradesh where Pushparaj's ambitions are touching the skies almost like the towering trees in the wilderness. He is rich and flaunts a lifestyle that is no less than a superstar. Srivalli and he are happy as he negotiates business while making time for abrupt lovemaking 'breaks' with his wife. The only agony is the name of a family name, a theme that drives the movie. Inspector Bhanwar Singh Shekhawat is nursing his old wound of having undressed in front of Pushparaj. He is on his heels in a Tom and Jerry kind of chase that is exciting and humorous.

What is hot

Allu Arjun has given his thousand percent to the film. His Jathara sequence alone is worth a visit to the cinema halls. Swag, humour, charisma, machismo, anger, arrogance and emotions he has nailed every facet of the character. Rashmika Mandanna's character might seem frivolous initially but it grows as the film progresses. Her confrontation scene with Pushpa's relatives and emotional ones stand out. Fahadh Faasil is similar to Allu Arjun as he too owns very scene. Desperate, psychotic, maniacal and scheming he is a delight to watch. The scale of Pushpa 2 is made for the big screen. From the visuals of sandalwood smuggling in the forest to village festivities there is meticulous planning for every scene. Shreyas Talpade deserves an applause for getting every scene right with his baritone in the Hindi version. Fans will love it. The Hindi dialogues are pure mass and there are hardly any dull moments. The Jathara song and dance is spectacular and Kissik too will find takers. Sreeleela is adorable with her expressions. Filmmaker Sukumar presents an antihero who is loaded with Bollywood machismo with a modern touch. He is a feminist, simp, protector and rogue all rolled into love. Dialogue writer Srikant Vrissa, cinematographer Miroslaw Brozek and DSP with his background score are other heroes of the movie.

What's not

While the first half is sumptuous, the second half does not pack in all the elements. With the kind of stage he had set, this film could have been an absolute classic. Instead it is all about family and respect of women. But it does set the tone for the third movie.

Verdict

Pushpa 2 The Rule is a mass entertainment as we love it. Allu Arjun has sealed his name in history books with this character. While it is lengthy due to prolonged action sequences that cater to fans, the tempo does not lag. Pushpa 2 is a movie that warrants a visit to the theatre due Allu Arjun's performance alone. And there are many more elements to enjoy along the way.