Review : ‘#PushpaTheRise’ is #AlluArjun show all the way!
Masala movies of earlier times used to be backed by the audiences because of superstar’s presence where he dished out everything from action to romance to drama to comedy et al in a single movie. The ‘heroism’ of the star has always attracted viewers to the theatres. But in recent times the content based subjects have gained prominence. But down south the adulation of stars or superstars is still prevalent and one can notice it with the films released in the recent times. ‘Pushpa : The Rise’ salutes the ‘heroism’ genre but it’s novel presentation makes it an interesting watch. South superstar Allu Arjun has regaled audiences with his stylised portrayal and also has infused realism in a convincing manner. Director Sukumar has presented a rustic masala film with ‘Seeti and Tali Maar’ dialogues and action scenes. Apart from it’s run time of three hours, Pushpa, otherwise is quite entertaining barring a few loopholes.
PushpaRaj (Allu Arjun) is an abandoned son of a landlord raised by a single mother. His step-brothers always run him down and that non-acceptance makes his vulnerable and irate most of the time. He works as a coolie at his daredevil spirit attracts him to illegal work of chopping Red Sandalwood trees in Sheshachalam jungles. Pushpa quickly learns the ropes of this trade and starts rising in this field of red sandalwood smuggling. There are many players in the market and obviously he makes quite a few enemies including his first employers, dangerous one handed Konda Reddy (Ajay Ghosh) and his brothers Jolly Reddy (Dhananjay) and Jakka Reddy. In the meanwhile he falls for a beautiful lass Srivalli (Rashmika Mandana) and wants to win her over. He continues his smuggling business and in the process makes more enemies like Mangalam Sinu (Sunil), the leader of the smuggling union. He isn’t afraid of any of his distractors till an IPS officer Bhanwar Singh Shekawat (Fahadh Faasil) enters the scene. Pushpa has lived his life on his terms but the conflict arises when equally headstrong policeman like Shekhawat enters the scene. The movie ends with a suggestive conflict between Pushpa and Shekhawat to be carried over in the second part.
The storyline is often explored in films across languages but it’s treatment makes it different. Director Sukumar has projected his hero on a big canvass meaningfully and beautifully. The screenplay is tight but is lax in the second part. Again the films runtime of three hours seems too long and editor should have worked on it. The first part is gripping but loses it’s elasticity as the film progresses. The original film is shot in Telugu but in the dubbed Hindi version the dialogues remind you of the yesteryear era films where they played extremely important part in the film’s success. The dialogues are impressive and witty at times and Shreyas Talpade has done a good job as Allu Arjun’s Hindi voice-over. The cinematography (Mirosław Kuba Brożek) is extremely good especially the scenes in jungles. The movie is high on action and it’s designed in a novel fashion especially the fight scene in the river.
The production values are high and music is foot tapping. Devi Sri Prasad’s music blends with narrative and in Sami Sami Rashmika sizzles. The variation in Pushpa’s dressing as he rises in noteworthy. Pushpa : The Rise is an out and out Allu Arjun show. He has delivered a smashing performance along the way smashing villains. He oozes star power and his mannerisms are excellent and he never falters even once. He dancing prowess is smartly used by the director and songs go a notch higher when he shakes a leg. His walking style as well as sitting style is used effectively by the director. Rashmika Mandana looks pretty even in a de-glam role but she has limited screen time to show something worthwhile. The movie scores on casting department as all the actors deliver good performances. Samantha’s item number elicits whistles.
All in all, ‘Pushpa : The Rise’ is a mass entertainer and is Allu Arjun’s show all the way.
Rating: ***1/2