Pushpa: The Rise

“Pushpa: The Rise” is a Telugu-language action thriller directed by Sukumar and released on December 17, 2021. Starring Allu Arjun in the lead role, the film takes viewers into the world of red sandalwood smuggling in the dense forests of Andhra Pradesh. It is an intense, raw, and action-packed drama that captivated audiences worldwide. With powerful performances, stunning cinematography, and a gripping storyline, Pushpa: The Rise has cemented its place as one of the biggest blockbusters in Indian cinema. In this article, we will delve deep into what makes this film a masterpiece, its strengths and weaknesses, and its phenomenal box office success.

Plot Summary

The film follows the journey of Pushpa Raj (Allu Arjun), a daily-wage laborer who rises through the ranks of a red sandalwood smuggling syndicate. Despite coming from a humble background, Pushpa is fearless, ambitious, and has a rebellious streak. As he navigates through the dangerous world of illegal trade, he faces opposition from rivals and law enforcement, especially the ruthless police officer Bhanwar Singh Shekhawat (Fahadh Faasil). The movie showcases Pushpa’s transformation from a mere laborer to a formidable force in the underworld. The film ends on a thrilling note, setting the stage for its much-anticipated sequel, Pushpa: The Rule.

What’s Good?

1. Allu Arjun’s Stellar Performance

Allu Arjun’s portrayal of Pushpa Raj is undoubtedly the film’s biggest highlight. His rugged look, intense dialogue delivery, and unique body language make the character memorable. The actor’s transformation into a rustic, street-smart smuggler is commendable, and his screen presence is electrifying.

2. Sukumar’s Direction

Director Sukumar has masterfully created a gripping narrative that keeps the audience engaged from start to finish. His storytelling, combined with the raw and rustic setting, makes the movie a visual treat. The screenplay is well-paced, ensuring that there are no dull moments.

3. Cinematography and Visuals

The film beautifully captures the dense forests of Andhra Pradesh, making the setting feel alive. Cinematographer Mirosław Kuba Brożek has done an outstanding job in showcasing the rugged terrain and the intense action sequences with breathtaking visuals.

4. Music and Background Score

Devi Sri Prasad (DSP) has delivered an exceptional soundtrack, with songs like Srivalli and Oo Antava becoming chartbusters. The background score adds to the intensity of the film, elevating key moments and enhancing the overall cinematic experience.

5. Action Sequences

The film is packed with high-octane action scenes, choreographed to perfection. Allu Arjun’s fight sequences, especially his hand-to-hand combat scenes, add a raw and realistic touch to the movie.

Strengths and Weaknesses

Strengths:

• Engaging Storyline: The rise of Pushpa Raj from a nobody to a feared smuggler is compelling and well-executed.
• Powerful Performances: Apart from Allu Arjun, Fahadh Faasil and Rashmika Mandanna deliver strong performances.
• Mass Appeal: The film has all the elements of a commercial entertainer—action, drama, emotion, and music.
• Strong Dialogues: The dialogues, especially Pushpa’s iconic “Thaggede Le,” have become hugely popular.

Weaknesses:

• Lengthy Runtime: The film could have been trimmed slightly to maintain a tighter narrative.
• Predictable Moments: While the film is engaging, some plot points feel familiar and predictable.
• Limited Screen Time for Villain: Fahadh Faasil, despite being a brilliant actor, gets limited screen time in this installment.

Target Audience

Pushpa: The Rise is a perfect watch for:

• Action Lovers: Fans of intense action and high-energy fight sequences will thoroughly enjoy this film.
• Mass Entertainers: If you love larger-than-life heroes, strong dialogues, and adrenaline-pumping moments, this movie is for you.
• Allu Arjun Fans: The film is a treat for Allu Arjun’s fans, showcasing him in a never-seen-before avatar.
• Music Enthusiasts: The soundtrack and background score make it a musical delight.

Box Office Details

Aspect	Details
Budget	INR 170 Crores
Worldwide Collection	INR 365 Crores
India (Net)	INR 265 Crores
Overseas Collection	INR 100 Crores

Day-Wise Earnings (India + Overseas)

Day	India (INR)	Overseas (INR)	Total (INR)
Day 1	50 Cr	20 Cr	70 Cr
Day 2	40 Cr	15 Cr	55 Cr
Day 3	35 Cr	12 Cr	47 Cr
Day 4	30 Cr	10 Cr	40 Cr
Day 5	25 Cr	8 Cr	33 Cr

The film’s success was driven by strong word-of-mouth, powerful performances, and a gripping storyline. It performed exceptionally well in Telugu-speaking regions and also gained a strong foothold in Hindi markets.

Recommendation

Pushpa: The Rise is a gripping action drama that delivers on all fronts—storytelling, action, music, and performances. Allu Arjun’s portrayal of Pushpa Raj is unforgettable, and the film’s raw and rustic appeal makes it stand out. If you love action-packed, mass entertainers with a strong emotional core, this movie is a must-watch. With its massive success, the anticipation for its sequel, Pushpa: The Rule, is at an all-time high. Thaggede Le!

Genres:

Action, Drama, Thriller

Rating:

7/10

Cast:

Actor	Character
Allu Arjun	Pushpa Raj
Rashmika Mandanna	Srivalli
Jagadeesh Bandari	Kesava
Sunil Varma	Mangalam Srinu
Anasuya Bharadwaj	Dakshayani
Dhananjay	Jolly Reddy
Ajay Ghosh	Konda Reddy
Fahadh Faasil	Bhanwar Singh Shekhawat
Rao Ramesh	Bhumireddy Siddappa Naidu
Ajay	Molleti Mohan Raj
Shanmukh	Jakka Reddy
Kalpalatha	Parvathamma
Brahmaji	SI Kupparaj
Raj Tirandasu	Mogilees
Shatru	Govindappa
Shri Tej	Molleti Dharma Raj
Pavani Karanam	Molleti Kaveri
Mime Gopi	Chennai Murugan
Dayanand Reddy	Munirathnam
Malavika Wales	Anu
Rajsekhar Aningi	Subba Reddy
Meesam Suresh
Master Dhruvan	Young Pushpa Raj
Jeevan Kumar	Forest Cop
Samantha Ruth Prabhu	Special appearance for a Song

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