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Pushpa: The Rise (2021) - Honest Review

 Directed by Sukumar, Pushpa: The Rise is an intense action-drama film that tells the story of Pushpa Raj, a coolie who rises from a humble background to become a key figure in the lucrative red sandalwood smuggling business in Andhra Pradesh. The film is packed with larger-than-life moments, gripping performances, and high-octane drama. Here's an honest review:

Plot

The film does a solid job of portraying Pushpa's journey from an underdog to a powerful figure in the smuggling world. The story has a rustic, raw appeal and highlights the harsh realities of class struggles. However, the narrative sometimes feels overindulgent, especially with its slow pacing in the second half.

Performances

  • Allu Arjun: This is arguably one of Allu Arjun's career-best performances. He completely transforms into the character of Pushpa with his rugged look, dialect, and intense screen presence. His portrayal of Pushpa's swagger and emotional depth is compelling.
  • Rashmika Mandana: She brings charm and delivers a decent performance, though her role feels underwritten.
  • Fahadh Faasil: As the antagonist, Fahadh steals the show with a menacing performance in the limited screentime he gets, setting up high expectations for the sequel.

Technical Aspects

  • Direction: Sukumar's direction is gritty and grounded, capturing the essence of the Chittoor region.
  • Music and BGM: Devi Sri Prasad's music, especially tracks like "Srivalli" and "Oo Antava," adds tremendous energy and has become iconic. The background score amplifies the drama effectively.
  • Cinematography: The visuals by Mirosław Kuba Brożek are stunning, bringing the rugged landscapes of Andhra Pradesh to life.
  • Action Sequences: The action is raw, intense, and choreographed to suit the story's tone, though it sometimes feels exaggerated.

Strengths

  • Allu Arjun's magnetic performance.
  • Well-executed action and dramatic scenes.
  • Music and cinematography elevate the overall experience.
  • Gripping and relatable story for its target audience.

Weaknesses

  • The second half drags a bit, with a few repetitive scenes.
  • Some supporting characters lack depth.
  • The film relies heavily on Allu Arjun's star power.

Rating

  • Story & Direction: ★★★★☆
  • Performances: ★★★★★
  • Music & BGM: ★★★★★
  • Pacing: ★★★☆☆

Overall Rating: 4/5

Verdict: Pushpa: The Rise is an entertaining and powerful film, carried by Allu Arjun’s stellar performance. While it has some pacing issues, its gripping narrative and mass appeal make it a must-watch for fans of action-drama films. It's a promising start to what is set to be an epic saga.

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