Synopsis:
Pushpa: The Rise – Part 1 is a 2021 Indian Telugu-language action drama film written and directed by Sukumar. Produced by Mythri Movie Makers in association with Muttamsetty Media, The first of two cinematic parts, the plot is based on the red sanders smuggling in the Seshachalam Hills of the Rayalaseema region of Andhra Pradesh.
CAST: Allu Arjun, Fahadh Faasil, Rashmika Mandanna, Dhanunjay, Rao Ramesh, Suneel, Anasuya Bharadwaj in lead roles.
TELUGU SWAG RATING: 
Top Reviewers:
TELUGU 360 (Rating: 2.75/5)
‘Pushpa’ doesn’t live up to the expectations. The story of a Sandalwood smuggler who grows from a ‘Coolie’ to ‘Syndicate Boss’ has been narrated in a flat manner. Allu Arjun characterization, dialogues stand out. Second half is a BIG letdown and audience may keep wondering what the purpose of the last 30 minutes and the climax episode was. As you walk out, you can’t help but think if part 2 will ever be made.
Great Andhra (Rating: 2.5/5)
Pushpa: The Rise is a below average action drama set in smuggling backdrop. Allu Arjun comes up with a winning act but that isn’t backed by pacy narration. Movie is lengthy, has its own shortcomings, flatly narrated which makes it boring at times. Fahad’s (Banwar Singh Shekawath) entry in the last 30 mins is good but following scenes fell flat. All in all, Sukumar’s Pushpa first part falls short of expectations given the hype around the film.
Mirchi9 (Rating: 2.5/5)
Overall, Pushpa is a template gangster drama involving the rise of the protagonist. Allu Arjun in the lead trumps, but everything else is predictable. If you like the backdrop and don’t mind the routineness give Pushpa a try only for Allu Arjun.
123TELUGU (Rating: 3/5)
On the whole, Pushpa is Allu Arjun’s one man show as the icon star delivers a knockout performance. The first half is good but the second half slows down with dull climax. As the hype for the film is good, the film will see good collections. If you ignore the slow pace and predictable story, Pushpa ends as a decent watch.
Times Of India (Rating: 3/5)
Overall, Pushpa aspires to be unique but doesn’t attempt to break out of the box. It is a template gangster story that’s amped up by the music and performances. More effort into the writing would have made this a lot better than what it is – a middling film with mass moments for fans.
India Glitz (Rating: 3/5)
‘Pushpa: The Rise’ hits the bull’s eye. Allu Arjun’s flawless acting, Sukumar’s Midas Touch, and the span of the story make it worth a watch.
CineChitChat.com (Rating: 2.75/5)
To conclude, Pushpa: The Rise is a formula-based gangster drama with predictable scenes and flow. The only thing that makes it an interesting watch is Allu Arjun as Pushpa. There are a lot of thug life and taggede le moments, but they alone can’t make it a complete movie as it is depending on characterization itself. It is just Pushpa’s rise without any surprise in it.
Pink Villa (Rating: 3/5)
‘Pushpa: The Rise’ needed smarter writing for sure. But it’s still one of the most engaging mass masala films in recent times. Devi Sri Prasad’s superb songs hit the ball out of the park.
