BOTTOM LINE
Allu Arjun’s Show
OUR RATING
2.5/5
CENSOR
2h 59m • UA
What Is the Film About?
Pushpa Raj (Allu Arjun) is a daily labourer working for a group headed by Konda Reddy, Jali Reddy and Jakka Reddy. They do illegal smuggling of red sandals.
Pushpa grows in the ranks from a normal coolie to co-owner alongside Reddy bros. He then faces a bigger threat in Mangalam Srinu (Sunil). How Pushpa surpasses the various hurdles and emerges the kingpin smuggler don of red sandals is the basic storyline of Pushpa’s first part.
The love track with Sri Valli (Rashmika) and the emergence of the new threat Bhanwar Singh Shekhawat (Fahadh Faasil) form the overall story.
Performances
Allu Arjun lives in the role of Pushpa Raj and we only see the character instead of the star.
The get-up has attracted our attention since the day the first look came out. When we watch the movie, we realise that it is not just a typical makeover. A lot of effort has been put into the body language and dialogue delivery (Chittoor dialect). They are terrific. The way he utters Sukumar’s words makes them unique and helps his character stand out.
There is not much on the dance side barring small glimpses here and there, but when you have such an act, nothing else matters. Pushpa will be a memorable film for Allu Arjun, all things considered.
Analysis
Pushpa The Rise is the new film of ace director Sukumar. It is a straightforward story and as the title suggests focuses on the rise of the titular character.
When it comes to Sukumar, the director has always managed to bring a proper mix of fresh backdrop, story and entertaining screenplay. For the first time, in Pushpa The Rise, he appears weak in the story front.
Pushpa is a template gangster drama that tracks the journey of the rise of the central protagonist. In this case, there is an additional smuggling background. The various ways in which the hero smuggles is also a standard trope.
So, there is nothing new in Pushpa from the start. And yet, one is engaged in the narrative. It is mainly because of the character of Pushpa essayed by Allu Arjun.
The effort on Pushpa (the character) is visible from the start. The dialogues play a key role apart from body language and setting. Allu Arjun completely disappears in the world.
The world of Pushpa and its characters (even though half baked) keep things flowing in the first half. The track involving his rise and new challenges are decently done. They lack the mighty elevation, but at the same time, they are not flat. It is somewhere in the middle which keeps the curiosity alive for the second half.
The opening action episode in the second half sets the tone and momentum perfectly for the rest of the movie. However, things take an unexpected turn with the departure of Mangalam Suri.
The narrative feels like is in restart mode again with the introduction of a new character at this point.
The struggle to keep the original flow going and also to set up a fresh conflict and a villain is clear. The idea of ‘brand’ (Inti Peru) via the mother angle is fine, but it feels rushed. Too much is cramped too soon. The scenes are needlessly stretched and poorly edited.
The best example is seen in two face off sequences between Pushpa and Bhanwar Singh. They are terribly dull but have a high moment in between. It is a prime case of rushing through the proceedings having only an overview of the plot (but not an actual one).
The entire stretch towards the end feels dragged and lacks impact. It makes one wonder about the sequel plans.
Overall, Pushpa is a template gangster drama involving the rise of the protagonist. Allu Arjun in the lead trumps, but everything else is predictable. If you like the backdrop and don’t mind the routineness give Pushpa a try only for Allu Arjun.
Others?
We have many characters in Pushpa, however, none manage to impress. It is one of the primary aspects where Pushpa differs big time from Sukumar’s last attempt Rangasthalam.
Rashmika Mandanna’s character is a poor excuse for commercial trapping. She is present only for entertainment and lacks any importance in the story, otherwise.
Among the many names, Sunil easily is the better one. Not only does his get up, but his acting is also a surprise. He stays in the character and we don’t see any traces of his last. The much-hyped Fahadh Faasil presence is wasted. He fails to create the required impact due to weak character and forced narrative to make him register. The Kannada actor, Dhananjay is better in a way.
Anasuya Bharadwaj has a forgetful part. She stays on the sidelines in the entire first half. And follows it up with an unexpected character turn later. Ajay Ghosh is his typical self but delivers. The rest of the cast is alright in their small inconsequential parts.
Samantha’s special song feels like any other typical item number. Rao Ramesh is seen in an insignificant role.
Music and Other Departments?
The music by Devi Sri Prasad is alright, but he disappoints big time with the background score. It can be seen as one of the primary reasons for the missing high in the narrative. The cinematography could have been better. The natural Gore’s topography has a fresh flavour, but nothing much is seen on the photography side to take it to the next level. The editing is weak. We see its effect, particularly in the second half. The visual effects are tacky whenever it is used on a big scale.
Highlights?
Allu Arjun
Pushpa Character Dialogues
Parts Of First Half
Drawbacks?
Predictable Story
Length
Half Baked Characters
Last Half An Hour
Alternative Take
A simple thing like introducing Bhanwar Singh Shekhawat at the start and then making him vital as the narrative progress would have been sufficient. It would have added another dimension to the narrative.
Did I Enjoy It?
Yes, In Parts
Will You Recommend It?
Yes, for Allu Arjun’s terrific performance
Pushpa Movie Review by Siddartha Toleti
Final Report:
Pushpa is a letdown with the introduction of Bhanwar Singh Shekhawat (Fahadh Faasil) and set up for the sequel. Nonetheless, watch it for an exceptional Allu Arjun performance. His name (and act) will be heard everywhere. Stay tuned for our review coming up soon.
— Pushpa show comes to and end with a title card for the part two. Final report shortly.
— Pushpa Vs Fahadh Faasil’s long scene in the police station missing the impact it should create. Also, FaFa’s Telugu voice seems to be an issue.
— Simple but a bit terrifying intro for Fahadh Faasil. The evilness oozes through his character.
– Pushpa captures the smuggling syndicate. The Rise Of Pushpa is conveyed thumpingly with the mass number ‘Eyy Bidda’ song. Allu Arjun appears in several getups. Few are good, few look funny. VFX shot used here is very poor.
— The first fight in the second half is superb including the cinematography and design.
— Pushpa second half started. Saami Saami song has some simple but nice choreography for Allu Arjun fans.
First Half Report:
Pushpa first half has several issues (plain narrative, weak heroine track, BGM, VFX at places etc.), but the mesmerizing work by Allu Arjun (excellent body language and accent) and Sukumar’s writing overcomes them.
An intrigue is kept alive for the second half which holds the key now.
— Pushparaju tries to emerge as a key player in smuggling trade. He now wants to have his own terms and deals. Interval.
— Here comes the hotly awaited, sizzling song of the year, ‘Oo Antava Oo Oo Antava’. Samantha is okay in her bold and hot avatar. Together with Allu Arjun, she makes the song hot.
— Sunil as Mangalam Srinu looks convincing in a new get up. His body language and mannerisms too worked out well in his entry scene.
— After Rashika’s entry, it’s time for the most melodious song of the album ‘Srivalli’. No grand movements, but simple steps.
— Pushparaju is slowly growing in smuggling business.
— A brief flashback time for Pushparaju, Red sander smuggler’s background.
— First song: Daakko Dakko Meka.
A grand intro song even if it’s in a forest that simultaneously highlights the characterisation of Pushpa. Not much dance from Allu Arjun, though. It’s pretty much same as what we have seen in the lyrical video.
— An entirely unrecognizable Icon Star Allu Arjun enters the frame, but his swag is still unmistakably apparent.
Pushpa show started. Pushpa digital partner – Amazon Prime Video.
Sukumar mark starts from the creative opening credits.
The staff just came in and announced about a technical difficulty they are facing.
They promised to screen #Pushpa without any trailers.
https://twitter.com/mirchi9/status/1471581601960271878?s=21
Pushpa review, U.S. Premier updates will begin shortly. Stay tuned.
The third film in the combination of Icon Star Allu Arjun and Sukumar is all set to release grandly on December 17th. The last movie in their combo, Arya 2, came out more than a decade ago.
The hat trick combo and the fact that it happens after the career biggest hits of both Allu Arjun (Ala Vaikunthapurramuloo) and Sukumar (Rangasthalam), has meant that the hype related to Pushpa hit the roof.
Besides the combination, which we can’t repeat enough, the music by Devi Sri Prasad and release timing too are additional factors working in Pushpa‘s favour.
We have recently seen how a senior star film, Akhanda starring Balakrishna, performed as the first biggie post the second wave. Pushpa too enjoys the same benefit as it’s the only big movie from a top star of the current generation.
The bookings are terrific all over and expected to be sold out for the weekend irrespective of the talk. It is a reflection of the immense hype on the movie. The opening day record is expected to tumble in Nizam.
The timing of the movie is such that, after Ala Vaikunthapurramuloo Allu Arjun is all set to have another highest grosser of the year. It would be his second in back to back year’s if the talk is positive.
M9News is here to give you a genuine and honest ‘First-On-Net’ Pushpa movie review, as always. Watch this space for our updates.
