Cast: Allu Arjun, Fahadh Faasil and Rashmika Mandanna Rao Ramesh, Suneel, Anasuya Bharadwaj & Others
Directed by Sukumar
Produced by Naveen Yerneni, Y. Ravi Shankar
Music by Devi Sri Prasad
Cinematography: Miroslaw Kuba Brozek
Edited by Karthika Srinivas & RubenProduction Companies: Mythri Movie Makers, Muttamsetty Media
Release Date:17 December 2021

iQlikMovies Rating: 2.75/5

One of the most anticipated films in Telugu cinema, Pushpa: The Rise has hit the screens today. Directed by Sukumar, this film features Allu Arjun and Rashmika Mandanna in the lead roles. Check out our review to know if Pushpa lived up to the hype or not.

Story:
Pushpa Raj (Allu Arjun) is a red sandalwood smuggler in the state of Andhra Pradesh. He wants to be the king of the smuggling syndicate and goes to any extent regarding the same. In the process, he faces obstacles from other smugglers and police officers. How did he beat all the odds? What is the role of Srivalli (Rashmika) in this process? To know the answers, you have to watch the film.

Performances:
Allu Arjun has carried the entire film in his arms. He is seen right from the first frame to the last frame of the movie. No one can match the aura he brought to Pushpa Raj's character. This will remain one of his career-best performances. Rashmika Mandanna looks decent in a de-glamorous role. But she had nothing much to offer. Sunil's character is pale. Anasuya and Fahadh Fasil had no scope in the first part. Rest others did justice to their roles.

Technicalities:
After Rangasthalam, Sukumar chose another rustic story for Pushpa. But the difference is Rangasthalam had an emotional depth, which Pushpa lacked. His intention of making the film in two parts resulted in a dragged first part. The screenplay is lethargic and makes you get bored. The cinematography is excellent though. The visuals are exquisite. Devi Sri Prasad's music is average. The songs are good but the background score is disappointing. He couldn't elevate the scenes. The VFX is very poor. Editing could have been a lot better.

Verdict:
The major mistake the makers did was to write this movie in two parts. It could have worked well if made in a single part. But attaching a sequel to it made the first part boring to the core. The first half is engaging enough with character establishments, a love track and a few comedy scenes. The interval sequence is very good. The stage is set for things to unfold in the second half. However, it moves at a snail-pace and bores us to death. Except for a couple of action sequences and the final 30 minutes, the second half remains stale. On the whole, Pushpa is a huge disappointment for audiences and trade circles. Barring Allu Arjun's performance, there is nothing interesting in the movie.

Plus Points:
Allu Arjun
A few action sequences
Interval scene

Minus Points:
Lethargic screenplay
Lengthy Runtime
Poor VFX
Background score

Final Verdict: No Suku-'mark'