Pushpa: The Rise – Part 1

Pushpa Raj is a coolie who rises in the world of red sandalwood smuggling. Along the way, he doesn’t shy from making an enemy or two.\

“Pushpa: The Rise,” an exhilarating Telugu-language action drama, made waves in 2021 with its powerful storytelling and exceptional performances. Directed and written by the brilliant Sukumar, the film marked the Telugu debut of Fahadh Faasil and showcased Allu Arjun in the title role. Supported by a stellar cast, including Rashmika Mandanna, Jagadeesh Prathap Bandari, Sunil, Raj Tirandasu, Rao Ramesh, Dhananjaya, Anasuya Bharadwaj, Ajay, and Ajay Ghosh, “Pushpa: The Rise” is a production by Mythri Movie Makers in association with Muttamsetty Media.

Plot and Setting:

The movie delves into the life of Pushpa Raj, a coolie who rises within the ruthless world of red sandalwood smuggling. Red sandalwood, a rare wood exclusive to the Seshachalam Hills of Tirupati in Andhra Pradesh, becomes the focal point of the story. This engaging narrative takes the audience on a gripping journey through the criminal underworld.

Behind the Scenes:

“Pushpa: The Rise” boasts an impressive creative team. The film’s score and soundtrack were composed by the talented Devi Sri Prasad. Miroslaw Kuba Brozek handled the cinematography, while Karthika Srinivas–Ruben took charge of editing. Filming commenced in December 2019 but faced a temporary halt in March 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Fortunately, the team resumed production in November 2020, successfully concluding filming in November 2021. Most of the shooting occurred at the renowned Ramoji Film City in Hyderabad and the picturesque Maredumilli forest in Andhra Pradesh.

The Grand Release:

“Pushpa: The Rise” made its grand debut on December 17, 2021, simultaneously in Telugu and various dubbed versions, including Malayalam, Tamil, Kannada, and Hindi. The film’s release was met with great anticipation and excitement.

Critical Acclaim and Commercial Success:

The film received a spectrum of reviews from critics, with widespread praise for performances, action choreography, cinematography, direction, dialogues, and the captivating soundtrack. However, some critics expressed reservations about the film’s runtime, writing, and editing.

“Pushpa: The Rise” enjoyed immense commercial success, grossing between ₹365 crore (US$46 million) and ₹373 crore (US$47 million) at the box office. It emerged as the highest-grossing Indian film of 2021 and is ranked among the highest-grossing Telugu films of all time.

Awards and Recognition:

At the 69th National Film Awards, “Pushpa: The Rise” secured two prestigious awards – Best Actor (Allu Arjun) and Best Music Direction (Devi Sri Prasad). The film also made a significant impact at the 67th Filmfare Awards South, with eight nominations and seven wins, including Best Film – Telugu, Best Director – Telugu (Sukumar), and Best Actor – Telugu (Allu Arjun).

Looking Ahead:

The success of “Pushpa: The Rise” paves the way for an exciting sequel, “Pushpa 2: The Rule,” currently in production and scheduled for release on August 15, 2024. This eagerly anticipated sequel is poised to continue the legacy of its predecessor, captivating audiences once again with its compelling storytelling and stellar performances.