Pushpa 2: The Rule

Pushpa 2: The Rule – A Tale of Smuggling and Power

Imagine a world where sandalwood smuggling isn’t just a business—it’s a revolution. That’s the essence of Pushpa 2: The Rule, an epic Indian Telugu-language action drama that takes us on a thrilling journey through the underworld of red sandalwood and political power struggles.

The Sequel to Remember

Announced in December 2021, Pushpa 2: The Rule was set for release on December 5, 2024. Directed by Sukumar and starring Allu Arjun as the iconic smuggler Pushpa Raj, this sequel promises to be a powerhouse of action and drama. But what makes it so special? For starters, its runtime of 200 minutes is one of the longest Indian films ever made, making it a marathon of excitement.

The Plot Unfolds

Pushpa’s journey in Pushpa 2: The Rule is about more than just smuggling. It’s about his rise to power as a respected smuggler, his encounters with SP Bhanwar Singh Shekhawat (played by Fahadh Faasil), and the monumental task of completing a massive sandalwood consignment while facing opposition from his enemies and personal challenges.

Cast and Crew

The cast is stacked, with Allu Arjun reprising his role as Pushpa Raj. Other notable actors include Fahadh Faasil, Rashmika Mandanna, Dhananjaya, Rao Ramesh, Sunil, Anasuya Bharadwaj, Ajay Ghosh, and Jagapathi Babu. The film also features Saurabh Sachdeva, Tarak Ponnappa, Satya, Adithya Menon, and Malaika Arora for the item numbers.

Behind the Scenes

The making of Pushpa 2: The Rule is a tale of its own. Principal photography began with a test shoot on October 30, 2022, in Hyderabad. Filming took place across various locations including Visakhapatnam, Bangalore, and the Malkangiri district of Odisha. Despite rumors of creative differences between Allu Arjun and Sukumar, shooting resumed in July 2024.

The climax was shot in August 2024, with item numbers featuring Sreeleela filmed in November. The film wrapped up by late November 2024, with VFX provided by Makuta VFX and sound designers including Resul Pookutty and Vijay Kumar. Two music composers initially opted out due to scheduling conflicts but were replaced by Naveen Nooli.

Music and Sound

The background score and soundtrack were composed by Devi Sri Prasad, with lyrics written by Chandrabose. The music rights were acquired by T-Series for ₹65 crore. Singles like ‘Pushpa Pusha,’ ‘Sooseki,’ ‘Kissik,’ and ‘Peelings’ were released to hype the film.

Release and Reception

The trailer was released on November 17, 2024, followed by pre-release events in Patna, Kolkata, Chennai, Kochi, Bengaluru, Mumbai, and Hyderabad. The film’s theatrical release on December 5, 2024, saw it gross ₹280 crore on its opening day and reach ₹1000 crore in just eight days.

Pushpa 2 became the fastest film to reach ₹400 crore and ₹500 crore clubs. Its global debut gross was ₹762 crore, with a domestic total of ₹1,032 crore after one week. The Hindi version earned ₹700 crore by the 20th day.

Controversies and Critiques

Allu Arjun faced a controversy over comments made during a press event in Mumbai where he referred to his fans as an ‘army,’ which some found disrespectful. A petition demanding a ban on the film was filed but dismissed by the Telangana High Court.

A stampede occurred at a screening of the film, resulting in a woman’s death and her young son’s critical injury. A case was filed against Allu Arjun and others, leading to his arrest. Despite these controversies, Pushpa 2: The Rule remains a massive success.

The Future of Pushpa

The post-credits scene showed the continuation of the story with a cliffhanger and revealed the title for the third part as Pushpa 3: The Rampage. This sets the stage for an even more thrilling adventure in the making.

Pushpa 2: The Rule is not just a film; it’s an experience. It’s about power, struggle, and the relentless pursuit of dreams. As we look forward to Pushpa 3: The Rampage, one thing is clear—this saga isn’t ending anytime soon.