Pushpa The Rise review: Allu Arjun is in sparkling form in this action spectacle

3.5/5

Story:

Pushparaj a.k.a Pushpa is the only son of Parvathamma, a mistress to a village head at a village in Chittoor. Ostracised from his paternal family, Pushpa grows up to be a labourer, working for the illegal traders of red sandalwood. He rises through their ranks quickly, learning the tricks of the trade. Pushpa gradually becomes the trusted aide of a deadly goon Konda Reddy. Mangalam Srinu, a man who minces no words and means business, is a crucial link to the business of Konda Reddy and his men. How does Pushpa chart his growth as a red sandalwood baron and rise above them? 

Review:

A critical aspect that separates Sukumar from most mainstream filmmakers is his ability to tell a good story even while catering to the demands of the fans of his larger-than-life lead actors. With Pushpa The Rise though, the director is rather clear about his focus to deliver an out-and-out masala potboiler. The focus is less on the story and more about creating an intriguing backdrop (of the red-sandalwood mafia), purely designed to showcase the exploits of Allu Arjun. This results in a fulfilling but slightly long action spectacle that has all ingredients to please the masses.

Pushpa as a lead character works because of the strong backstory that justifies why he's been a rebel all his life and fears none. The fact that he's born to the mistress of a respected man, can't use his family name in the public, haunts him continuously. The twisted spine, the casual sense of humour and sarcasm add colour to the character. Pushpa may appear invincible on most occasions, but there's an earnestness in Allu Arjun's portrayal that makes us invest in his story.

Beyond the staple mass-pleasing sequences, Sukumar has us hooked to the backdrop in the first hour with his attention to detail. The portions that shed light on Pushpa's street smartness while dealing with the cops make for an entertaining watch. Even the supposed baddies like Konda Reddy, Mangalam Srinu and his wife Dakshayani have a certain personality and eccentricity to them. The only breather that the audiences get early on is the romantic thread between Pushpa and Srivalli, which is quite bizarre despite ensuring many a laugh out loud moment. 

It's the action sequences where the film gets its act right perfectly. The director establishes the motive of the characters well, sets up the chases and conflicts beautifully and provides an adrenaline rush, emotional highs quite necessary to drive a commercial film. The confrontation between Pushpa and Mangalam Srinu, where the former demands a bigger pie of the business share, is exactly the stuff that epic moments in mass films are made of. There are several heart-in-your-mouth moments too, like the one Pushpa's aide tries to close the gates of a dam to preserve the stock of red sandalwood. 

If the first hour is a Sukumar show, it's Allu Arjun who steals the thunder in the second half. The story and the influence of the red sandalwood backdrop take a backseat and the film rides more on his personal conflicts. For all the pompous introduction that Mangalam Srinu gets initially, the character turns out to be no match to Pushpa's might in the later portions. The action pieces are nothing short of a mass feast; there's abundant violence but Sukumar doesn't glorify bloodshed. 

The use of the song Nadaka Kalisina Navarathri to further the clash between Pushpa and Jaali Reddy is smartly done. It's with the entry of Fahadh Faasil as an egoistic cop Bhanwar Singh Shekhawat that the film gains its mojo back in the second half. Though his role in the film is brief, the climactic portion works as a trailer for the second part and the director sets the tone for a fantastic conflict between Pushpa and him.

Minor issues apart, Pushpa The Rise is an enjoyable action entertainer that's satiating for the most part. Allu Arjun moves out of his comfort zone and makes an extra effort to understand the psychology of the character to deliver his career-best performance to date. Rashmika doesn't get a meaty role, but her sparkling comic timing and screen presence make up for it. Sunil as the creepy Mangalam Srinu, Ajay Ghosh in the role of Konda Reddy and Anasuya, cast as the crooked Dakshayani, deliver commendable performances. 

Ajay and Rao Ramesh don't have much to do. Kannada actor Dhanunjaya is quite impressive, but you end up feeling that his potential isn't used to the fullest. Devi Sri Prasad's songs work better in the movie than as standalone numbers. Cinematographer Kuba establishes the film's rustic visual ambience to perfection. One could have appreciated the film's merits more if only it didn't have that 180-minute runtime.

Verdict:

Watch Pushpa The Rise in theatres. It's an action spectacle perfectly designed for the big screen. Sukumar uses the red-sandalwood mafia backdrop to create several interesting characters who come in the way of Pushpa's journey. Featuring a career-best performance by Allu Arjun, the film has an ample dose of entertainment for the action junkies and makes you eagerly wait for its sequel as well.