Can ‘Pushpa 2’ do what its title declares – rule?
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Can ‘Pushpa 2’ do what its title declares – rule?

2017 Part 2 of SS Rajamouli’s Bahubali arrived in theaters and set fire to the box office. Seven years later, expectations are sky high from Sukumar’s sequel to Pushpathe film that transformed lead actor and South biopic icon Allu Arjun into a bona fide pan-Indian star. In theaters on December 5, the field is all set for the action drama to do what the title explains – rule.

Coming after a gap of three years, Pushpa 2: The Rule has been one of the most anticipated releases of 2024, with fans eager to see the rivalry between Pushpa and cop Bhanwar Singh Shekhawat (Fahadh Faasil) play out on the big screen.

Returning is Rashmika Mandanna as Pushpa’s wife Srivalli as well as Polish cinematographer Miroslaw Kuba Brozek and composer Devi Sri Prasad after delivering chartbusters in ‘Oh Antava‘ and ‘Srivalli‘. This time filling Samantha’s big shoes is Telugu star Sreeleela, who takes on the role of not only sizzling on screen but also somehow matching Allu Arjun’s terpsichorean talents.

The stakes are high, the budget and scope bigger — an estimated Rs 400 crore — to account for Pushpa’s appeal beyond Telangana and Andhra Pradesh. Proof of that is how the Hindi trailer has amassed 70 million views (and counting) on ​​social media, more than the Telugu one. The trailer adds to the hype around the film by proudly declaring that Pushpa is not just a name, “it’s a brand”.

There has been plenty of evidence of that, with Pushpa’s face appearing on everything from t-shirts to crackers. Pushpa’s swagger, evident in his gait, stooped shoulder and trademark gesture – putting his hand under his chin – has only added to the character’s legend. Allu Arjun would go on to win the National Award for Best Actor for his pitch-perfect performance in Pushpa: The Rise.

In December 2021, Pushpa: The Rise came as a balm for cinemas, especially single screens, reeling from the Covid-19 pandemic. The Hindi dubbed version alone had collected business worth Rs 108 crore. But where Pushpa fell short was international gatherings. The manufacturers intend to fix it Part 2. As Pushpa Raj explains, “Pushpa ko national khiladi samjhe kya? International hello…” The sequel is off to a flying start in the US, already registering record-breaking pre-bookings for the premiere shows.

If Pushpa can match its Telugu predecessor’s feat Bahubali franchise and box office split remains to be seen, but the film is all set to open huge. With no major contender in December apart from Hindi films Chava (with Vicky Kaushal) and Baby John (Varun Dhawan), Pushpa: The rule is ready to add to his fandom. There’s a reason the ‘Rs 1,000 crore’ figure is floating around weeks before release. If successful, it will join — if not beat —Street 2 as the greatest Indian film of all time.

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Published by:

Shyam Balasubramanian

Published on:

November 21, 2024