Pushpa: The Rise

Story:

Pushpa: The Rise (2021) is an Indian Telugu-language action drama film directed by Sukumar. It stars Allu Arjun as the lead character, alongside Fahadh Faasil in his Telugu debut and Rashmika Mandanna. The supporting cast includes Jagadeesh Prathap Bandari, Sunil, Raj Tirandasu, Rao Ramesh, Dhananjaya, Anasuya Bharadwaj, Ajay, and Ajay Ghosh. The movie, produced by Mythri Movie Makers in association with Muttamsetty Media, follows the journey of a coolie named Pushpa Raj involved in the smuggling of red sandalwood.

The film’s music is composed by Devi Sri Prasad, with Miroslaw Kuba Brozek handling the cinematography and Karthika Srinivas-Ruben in charge of editing. Production began in December 2019 but was temporarily halted due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Filming resumed in November 2020, primarily at the Ramoji Film City in Hyderabad and the Maredumilli forest in Andhra Pradesh. Pushpa: The Rise was released on December 17, 2021, in Telugu and dubbed versions in Malayalam, Tamil, Kannada, and Hindi.

Receiving mixed to positive reviews, the film was lauded for its performances, action sequences, cinematography, direction, dialogues, and soundtrack. It garnered commercial success, becoming the highest-grossing Indian film of 2021 and one of the highest-grossing Telugu films. A sequel titled Pushpa 2: The Rule is currently in production and is expected to release in early 2024.

PLOT

In the 1990s, Pushpa Raj, a labourer, and his sidekick Kesava decide to smuggle red sandalwood. This rare and valuable wood only grows in the Seshachalam Hills of Andhra Pradesh’s Chittoor district. When the police raid the forest and seize the smuggled stock, Pushpa hides it but is eventually arrested and brutally beaten for revealing its location. Pushpa’s employer, smuggler Konda Reddy, bails him out in exchange for the stock’s location. Pushpa rises through the ranks by suggesting innovative smuggling methods, earning Konda Reddy’s trust. However, Jolly Reddy, Konda Reddy’s younger brother, harbours hatred towards Pushpa.

Pushpa is tasked with safeguarding 200 tons of contraband belonging to criminal leader Srinu. When Jolly Reddy delays the export, Pushpa takes a risky move and throws the logs into a river while Kesava bribes the dam engineer to prevent their flow. Pushpa learns of Srinu’s scams and suggests Konda Reddy demand a fair share, but the idea is abandoned due to the risk involved. Meanwhile, Pushpa falls in love with Srivalli, a bold milk seller whose father is involved in smuggling. Pushpa becomes influential by smuggling the wood directly to Chennai and cutting a deal with a customer named Murugan. Govindappa detains Srivalli’s father as tensions rise, and Jolly Reddy blackmails Srivalli for her father’s release, creating further conflicts.

Srivalli informs Pushpa about Jolly Reddy’s actions, leading to Pushpa brutally beating him, leaving him paralyzed. Despite refusing to disclose the culprit, Jolly Reddy’s brothers suspect Pushpa’s involvement. Konda Reddy discovers the truth and tries to kill Pushpa but is interrupted when Srinu’s men, led by Mogileesu, attack and assassinate Konda Reddy. Pushpa saves Konda Reddy’s younger brother, Jakka Reddy, strengthening their alliance and eliminating Mogileesu. MP Bhumireddy Siddappa Naidu brokers a peace agreement between Pushpa and Srinu, eventually appointing Pushpa as Srinu’s successor after uncovering Srinu’s scams. Over time, Pushpa rises in power, taking control of the syndicate. However, tensions arise when arrogant police officer Bhanwar Singh Shekawat becomes the district’s SP. Bhanwar humiliates Pushpa but is later stripped down and shamed by Pushpa, highlighting his true character. Pushpa returns to his wedding, while a vengeful Bhanwar kills his dog and vows revenge. Pushpa, now married to Srivalli, reveals that the real story has just begun.