What's Behind
Icon Star Allu Arjun-Sukumar's Pushpa captured the imagination of all ever since its announcement. Expectations increased as Allu Arjun is returning after scoring a blockbuster in form of Ala Vaikunthapuramlo and Sukumar scoring a super hit in form of Rangasthalam. With Allu Arjun eyeing a pan India stardom with Pushpa, all eyes are on the film's first part Pushpa The Rise which is releasing on December 17,2021. Let us see what Pushpa-The Rise offered to movie lovers.
Story Review
Pushpa Raj (Allu Arjun) works under Konda Reddy (Ajay Ghosh) and his brother Jolly Reddy (Dhananjay) who form a syndicate along with Mangalam Srinu (Sunil) and indulge in red sandalwood smuggling in the Rayalaseema region. Pushpa Raj with his intelligence quickly earn the reputation of smuggling the sandalwood without getting caught by the cops and he decides to deal with everything dictating terms from his region to various places across the country. Where this leads to and how it affects the complex nature of the sandalwood syndicate and how MP Bhumireddy Siddapa Naidu (Rao Ramesh), SP Bhanwar Singh Shekawat (Fahadh Faasil) are connected with it and the relationship between Pushpa and his lover Srivalli (Rashmika Mandanna), form the crux of Pushpa The Rise.
Artists, Technicians Review
Director Sukumar who scored a hit with Rangasthalam tried to show Allu Arjun in a completely different manner in Pushpa. Already the film's poster generated interest and he started off in an interesting manner. Pushpa also has Rangasthalam similarities in the sense it has the same village atmosphere and rustic flavor. But there end the similarities. The narration after the interesting introduction to the red sandalwood smuggling dips pace and sails at a snail's pace. The romantic track and the smuggling is shown simultaneously and only during the pre-interval, interest increases with powerful interval bang. The second half picks up the pace and intense action elements take place and at the same time, a few interesting twists and turns happen. The entry of Fahad Faasil increases the intensity. Many scenes are dragged and many are forced and rushed and this unevenness affected the film in a big manner. Though most of the scenes are routine, the developments and the climax set the tone for the film's second part.
Sukumar tried to elevate Allu Arjun's heroism in the village and rustic atmosphere, in the same way, he did for Ram Charan in Rangasthalam. He emerged successful in elevating Allu Arjun's heroism but in doing so, the story went for a toss. Nothing happens in the first half as the narration drags. With the makers deciding to release the film in two parts, Sukumar had no other option but to stretch the narration in the first part to make the duration over 2 hours. In the process, the story turned weak and routine, and twists remained far and in between. Even the emotions went missing in Pushpa. To the top of it, the film has shades of sandalwood sensation KGF. Now all eyes are what surprises Pushpa's second part offers.
Allu Arjun stuns all with his transformation physically and psychologically for his role Pushpa Raj. Movie lovers will be surprised not to see Allu Arjun but only Pushpa Raj on screen. He carried the film on his shoulders with his body language, physique, mannerisms, and expressions. He showed the right kind of expressions and variations and his dialogue delivery and accent in Rayalaseema slang mesmerizes all. His dance movements are completely different, unique, and loaded with mass movements. His costumes and styling are apt as the laborer working under the powerful guys.
Rashmika Mandanna performed well in her role as Srivalli. She did her best to attract the masses trying to provide ample glamor treat in songs. She showed good emotions when required. Allu Arjun and Rashmika Mandanna's love track and chemistry is good to see on screen. Ajay Ghosh as Konda Reddy suited well in his role and so did Sandalwood actor Dhananjay. Sunil and Anasuya as husband and wife Mangalam Srinu and Dakshayani did not suit their roles. Their makeup looked odd and out of sync. In fact, they ended up irritating the viewers. Fahadh Faasil who made his entry only during the fag end of the film made a powerful impact. He got a powerful and impactful character and the scenes involving him and Allu Arjun increased the intensity. One can expect more from the duo in the second part. Samantha's special and sizzling song with Allu Arjun turned out to be a visual treat.
Devi Sri Prasad's music album became a huge hit even before the film's release. All the songs are well shot but they failed to take the visuals to another level on the screen. Even his background music turned out to be just ok. It failed to make a powerful impact. Cinematography is natural and realistic. Mirosław Kuba Brożek with his camera angles beautified the village atmosphere and forest locations in an appealing manner. Dance choreography is good. Stunts are well choreographed and action scenes involving Allu Arjun thrills movie lovers. Dialogues are good. VFX work however left a lot to be desired. Production values are good.
Advantages
Allu Arjun's mannerisms, dialogues
Samantha's special song
Few intense scenes
Cinematography
Disadvantages
Slow pace
Routine story
Editing
BGM
VFX
Rating Analysis
Allu Arjun-Sukumar's Pushpa The Rise released amidst huge expectations. Sukumar who generated huge hype with Allu Arjun's makeover and with intense teasers and trailers, however, failed to come with a powerful story in the first part. The decision to release the film in two parts seems to have backfired. Except for Allu Arjun's powerful performance, the film offered nothing new. With missing emotional connect and routine story, screenplay, and direction, Pushpa turned out to be just an average entertainer. Now all eyes are on Pushpa The Rise's second part. However, Allu Arjun who signed off on a high note with Pushpa The Rise with his rousing performance sets the tone for the electrifying second part. Considering all these aspects, CJ goes with a 2.75 rating for Pushpa The Rise.