Pushpa: The Rise (Hindi) (2021) – Cast, Budget, IMDb Ratings – A High-Octane Action Drama
Introduction
Released in December 2021, Pushpa: The Rise (Hindi) is an action-packed entertainer directed by Sukumar and headlined by Allu Arjun in a career-defining role. The film tells the story of Pushpa Raj, a fearless man who rises through the ranks of the red sandalwood smuggling mafia. With stunning visuals, electrifying performances, and chart-topping music, the film became a massive box office hit and earned praise across all languages, including its Hindi dubbed version.
Key Details of Pushpa: The Rise
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Title | Pushpa: The Rise (Part 1) |
| Release Year | 2021 |
| Genre | Action, Drama, Crime |
| Director | Sukumar |
| Producers | Naveen Yerneni, Y. Ravi Shankar |
| Writers | Sukumar |
| Music Composer | Devi Sri Prasad |
| Cinematography | Mirosław Kuba Brożek |
| Runtime | 179 minutes |
| Budget | ₹200–250 Crores |
| Box Office Collection | ₹365–370 Crores (Worldwide) |
| IMDb Rating | 7.6/10 |
Main Cast and Characters
| Actor/Actress | Role |
|---|---|
| Allu Arjun | Pushpa Raj (The protagonist) |
| Rashmika Mandanna | Srivalli (Pushpa’s love interest) |
| Fahadh Faasil | SP Bhanwar Singh Shekhawat (Corrupt cop) |
| Sunil | Mangalam Srinu (Antagonist, smuggler) |
| Anasuya Bharadwaj | Dakshayani (Mangalam Srinu’s wife) |
| Ajay Ghosh | Konda Reddy |
| Dhananjaya | Jolly Reddy |
| Jagadeesh Prathap Bandari | Kesava (Pushpa’s trusted ally) |
Plot Summary
Pushpa: The Rise chronicles the journey of Pushpa Raj, a laborer in the remote forests of Andhra Pradesh, who rises from obscurity to become a feared and influential figure in the red sandalwood smuggling underworld. Born into poverty and constantly reminded of his low status due to his illegitimate birth, Pushpa is determined to carve out a place for himself.
Through sheer wit and unparalleled bravery, Pushpa navigates the dangerous smuggling syndicate and clashes with powerful adversaries, including Mangalam Srinu. Along the way, he falls in love with Srivalli, whose presence brings a touch of humanity to his tumultuous life.
As Pushpa climbs the ranks, his growing influence threatens those in power, culminating in a fierce rivalry with the newly appointed SP Bhanwar Singh Shekhawat, setting the stage for an explosive confrontation in the sequel.
Memorable Aspects of Pushpa: The Rise
- Allu Arjun’s Career-Best Performance: Arjun’s portrayal of Pushpa, with his rustic charm, rugged demeanor, and signature swag, won hearts nationwide. His dialogue delivery and iconic mannerisms, especially the “Pushpa naam sunke flower samjhe kya? Fire hai main” moment, became cultural phenomena.
- Chart-Topping Music: Devi Sri Prasad delivered a smashing soundtrack, with songs like “Srivalli,” “Oo Antava Oo Oo Antava,” and “Saami Saami” dominating music charts.
- Visual Grandeur: The dense forests of Andhra Pradesh, beautifully captured by cinematographer Mirosław Kuba Brożek, create an immersive setting for the film’s action sequences.
- Electrifying Action: The high-octane action scenes, choreographed with finesse, keep viewers on the edge of their seats.
- Stellar Supporting Cast: Fahadh Faasil’s menacing performance as SP Bhanwar Singh Shekhawat is a standout, teasing a bigger role in the sequel.
Box Office and Reception
Pushpa: The Rise was a monumental box office success, earning over ₹365 crores worldwide despite pandemic restrictions. The Hindi version alone grossed over ₹100 crores, a remarkable feat for a South Indian dubbed film.
Critics lauded Allu Arjun’s transformation, Sukumar’s direction, and the film’s gripping narrative. The movie’s dialogues, songs, and Allu Arjun’s mannerisms quickly became pop culture staples.
Conclusion
Pushpa: The Rise is more than just an action film—it’s a phenomenon that blends raw emotions, edge-of-the-seat thrills, and a compelling underdog story. Allu Arjun’s magnetic performance, combined with Sukumar’s masterful storytelling and Devi Sri Prasad’s chart-topping music, make it a must-watch. With its cliffhanger ending, the film has left audiences eagerly awaiting its sequel, Pushpa: The Rule.
Rating: ★★★★☆ (4.5/5)
