Movie: Pushpa
Rating: 2.5/5
Cast: Allu Arjun, Rashmika Mandanna, Fahadh Faasil Sunil, Dhanajnay
Director: Sukumar
Produced By: Mythri Movie Makers
Release Date: 17th December
One of the most anticipated movies of the year, Pushpa: The Rise has finally hit the screens. Both Allu Arjun and Sukumar have termed the movie as the most challenging one of their careers. While the entire unit’s hard work and last-minute race to finish has been visible to all, let’s find out if the grand vision of Sukumar has come to life successfully or not
Story: Pushpa: The Rise chronicles the rags to riches journey of Pushparaj (Allu Arjun). Pushpa starts as a common coolie to a bigshot smuggler. The rags to riches story have been an essential theme of many commercial movies in the past and it would only take unique storytelling to carry the film to its envisioned level. Sukumar possesses these unique storytelling and screenplay abilities and the with a perfect backdrop and Allu Arjun in hand, the story surely has all the potential on the paper to be a rocking commercial entertainer.
Performance: Allu Arjun has given a memorable performance and plays the character of Pushparaj with great ease and swag. His accent, body language, unique mannerisms, and characterizations are the biggest asset to the film. Rashmika is in a role that carries no essence or importance to the proceedings and is there just to add to Pushpa’s already glorified characterization. Sunil, Anasuya, Ajay Ghosh and others are there feeding oxygen to the fire of Pushpa. The lack of proper antagonists to the Pushpa is the biggest weakness of the film, While Fahadh appears in the film, it’s only to sow the seeds to the next part of the film.
Analysis: Pushpa is one of the most unique films of Sukumar but the usual ‘Sukkumark’ is missing from the film. While there are some intelligently conceived sequences and clever bits of writing sprinkled occasionally, it lacks the punch of the usual Sukumar action dramas. With a rustic and raw backdrop, direct comparison with Rangasthalam is quite natural and that is where Pushpa falls short in terms of execution and output. The VFX is haphazardly done and doesn’t do justice to the beautifully created forest backdrop. The film due to rushed last-hour works looks scrappy. Devi Sri Prasad’s music has always been a chartbuster in Allu Arjun and Sukumar combo but Pushpa’s album is the weakest despite a couple of decent songs
Plus Points:
Allu Arjun performance
Well created rural and forest setup
Mother Sentiment
Minus Points:
Rashmika’s performance
DSP background
Weak narration
Lack of strong antagonist
Verdict: Pushpa is a classic case of great thought gone wrong in execution. The film has all the elements to be a pan-India mass entertainer. However, the weak writing and dull narration makes the experience a forgetful one. Allu Arjun’s performance as Pushparaj is however a massive boost to the film and is sure to fetch him awards all over. Overall, it appears that the film would have been a better experience is released in just one part.
