Allu Arjun Reigns Supreme in Pushpa: The Rule

Pushpa: The Rule was one of my most anticipated movies of the year, but does the sequel to the 2021 Allu Arjun film live up to the hype?

Pushpa: The Rise immediately became one of my favorite Telugu films. I was hooked by Allu Arjun’s screen presence, Sukumar’s writing, and the phenomenal music from Devi Sri Prasad. Naturally, I was eagerly awaiting the sequel, Pushpa: The Rule and had the chance to catch it in IMAX on opening day.

Pushpa: The Rule cranks everything up to 11 as Pushpa rules over the sandalwood smuggling syndicate and faces off with his unhinged nemesis Bhanwar Singh Shekhawat, played to perfection by Fahadh Faasil.

Yes, the film is filled with over-the-top action and physics-defying fight scenes, but we see a softer side of Pushpa in his relationship with Srivalli (Rashmika Mandanna), who gets a great monologue of her own.

It’s not a flawless sequel, but with catchy music, a colorful visual style, and the undeniable charisma of Allu Arjun, Pushpa: The Rule is a blast.