Pushpa The Rise

Pushpa: The Rise (Part 1) A Big Mass Hit With Real Bite

Released in December 2021, Pushpa: The Rise (Part 1) is directed by Sukumar and built as a full-on mass entertainer. With Allu Arjun leading the cast, plus Rashmika Mandanna and Fahadh Faasil, the movie tracks the climb of a poor worker who finds power in red sandalwood smuggling. Set in the Seshachalam forest region of Andhra Pradesh, the film turned into a major box office winner. It became the highest-grossing Indian film of 2021, crossing ₹350 crore worldwide even with pandemic-era hurdles.

Plot Summary: From Coolie to Kingpin

Pushpa Raj (Allu Arjun) starts as a daily-wage laborer. He’s treated as an outsider because he was born out of wedlock and denied his father’s surname. That wound becomes his drive.

He enters a red sanders smuggling network and quickly proves he’s smarter than most. Pushpa finds new ways to move the wood and dodge police raids, which helps him rise fast. As his confidence grows, he pushes back against corrupt middlemen and claims his space in the chain.

Along the way, he falls for Srivalli (Rashmika Mandanna), which adds a softer track to the story. The film heads toward a heated clash with SP Bhanwar Singh Shekhawat (Fahadh Faasil), a proud and sharp officer who doesn’t like being challenged. That final stretch sets up the sequel cleanly.

Allu Arjun Owns the Screen

Allu Arjun is the main reason Pushpa works as well as it does. He doesn’t just play Pushpa Raj, he becomes him. The thick beard, the rough voice, the walk, the stare, it all feels locked in. Even small gestures, like the shoulder shrug and the steady glare, turn into a signature.

The dialogue “Pushpa jhukega nahi” (Pushpa won’t bow) lands because Arjun sells it with full conviction. Many critics called it his best performance, and it earned him the National Film Award for Best Actor. His presence lifts a familiar rise-to-power plot into something audiences remember.

Rashmika, Fahadh, and the Supporting Cast

Rashmika Mandanna brings warmth to Srivalli and keeps the role from feeling like filler. She’s lively, grounded, and easy to watch. Her pairing with Arjun works well, especially in songs like “Srivalli” and “Saami Saami.”

Fahadh Faasil arrives later in the film, but he makes it count. This was his Telugu debut, and he plays Shekhawat with a cold edge that hints at bigger trouble ahead. Sunil, as Mangalam Srinu, adds a greasy charm to the conflict, and Jagadeesh Prathap Bandari stands out as Kesava, Pushpa’s loyal support in a dangerous setup.

Direction, Music, and Visuals

Sukumar keeps the tone gritty but still gives fans the big hero moments they expect. Cinematographer Mirosław Kuba Brożek captures the forest with a mix of beauty and threat, which fits the story’s mood.

Devi Sri Prasad’s music is a major boost. “Oo Antava,” with Samantha, became a huge talking point, and “Eyy Bidda Idhi Naa Adda” hit hard with fans. The background score adds punch to the big scenes, and the action sequences, especially the raids and face-offs, feel raw and physical.

Where the Film Stumbles

Pushpa: The Rise isn’t perfect. At close to three hours, it drags in parts of the second half. A few side threads run longer than they need to, and some moments repeat the same idea. The plot also leans on well-known underdog beats, so tighter editing would’ve helped.

It also feels like Part 1 in every way. The movie spends a lot of time setting pieces in place, and it leaves some arcs open instead of offering a full wrap-up.

Why It Still Works

Even with those issues, the film delivers what it promises. It’s packed with punch lines, attitude, and larger-than-life build-ups that fans love. Pushpa’s backstory also adds meaning to his defiance. The theme of being judged by birth and status sits under the action and gives the character more weight.

Looking back, especially with Pushpa 2: The Rule drawing massive hype, Part 1 plays like a strong base. It pushed Allu Arjun into pan-India stardom and showed how far Telugu cinema can travel when everything clicks.

iBomma Rating: 4/5

Allu Arjun’s screen presence powers Pushpa: The Rise. It’s not flawless, but it’s a fun, high-energy watch that feels made for the big screen.

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