Thoughts I had while watching Pushpa 2

From feminist themes to Allu Arjun's charisma, here's what stood out about Pushpa 2 for me!

Every year, Indian audiences rush to the theatres to watch their favorite hero beat up goons and deliver a powerful dialogue. This year, we saw a plethora of sequels to very successful mass entertainers, giving viewers the chance to enjoy films that provide straightforward entertainment. While I enjoy my share of massy films, spending my money to watch a movie like Pushpa 2 was not on my bingo card this year. As people who enjoy films, it’s impossible to ignore the cultural phenomenon that movies like Pushpa have become, regardless of our personal opinions about them. These films often overshadow the more thoughtful creations by smaller filmmakers, who struggle to gain recognition amidst the dominance of blockbusters.

Nevertheless, watching Pushpa 2 in Hyderabad, surrounded by devoted Allu Arjun fans, was an unforgettable experience. One simply cannot have fun while watching these without having multiple thoughts run through your mind. For an overtly masculine movie brushing the male ego, and loved for its feet-tapping songs, Pushpa 2 was about a lot more. 

Also Read: Did Pushpa 2 stand tall or fall short on its expectations for the Janta? Let’s find out!

This is what I mean!

Scenes that feel like a celebration 

No matter how hard you try not to be impressed, Pushpa 2 manages to capture your attention with its grandeur and larger-than-life fight scenes. You may forget how vague the storyline appears at times and instead become fully engrossed in the film. It's everything you would expect from a masala movie, a hero with lots of super-human abilities in a world that is all about going big. 

Allu Arjun fighting to defend his National Award

Allu Arjun has become synonymous with Pushpa. Known for his stylish persona, he truly captured the essence of his character in the first film which won him the National Award. Bringing out his acting chops, he was able to make a lasting impression on everyone with his dialect and mannerisms. You forgot Allu Arjun, the star, and root for Pushpa and his 'brand'.

Fahadh Faasil being an underutilized actor

Imagine having an actor like Fahadh Faasil and then giving him a character arc that’s even weaker than the poor translation of the dialogue. After an interesting cliffhanger with the first movie, you would walk in expecting an epic showdown between the two. But he had such a disappointing arc. As a fan, you're frustrated before you realize that Pushpa is Allu Arjun’s world and others are just living in it!

Well placed humour

Surprisingly enough, the jokes and humor in the film were placed mindfully. It's easier for filmmakers to add humour in movies like Pushpa in a way that often feels unnecessary. But Pushpa 2 was the exception! Moments like when Pushpa goes back to the party and pees in the pool while Shekhawat is too stunned to speak, there is a clever sense of humor present. For something that would have easily been the classic hero vs villain scene, it is the unintentional comedy that sets this moment apart and makes it memorable. The humor did not kill the vibe that Pushpa and SP Shekhawat created together. 

Songs with feminist themes

While some view item numbers as merely objectifying women, there is a sense of power and strength in these songs as women are seen embracing their sexuality. While Samantha’s "O Antava Va Mava" from the film’s predecessor addressed the issue of men objectifying women regardless of what they wear, Pushpa 2 had the song "Kissik". The song adds to this feminist message by discussing the importance of consent and respecting personal boundaries when taking photos. While it may seem unnecessary for the plot, it reinforces the theme of empowerment.

What are your thoughts on the film? Let us know in the comments below.