Pushpa: The Rise (2021) Review – Rating, Verdict & Box Office | Tollybo
Last updated: 30 Apr 2026
Pushpa: The Rise (2021) Review
Directed by Sukumar, Pushpa: The Rise (2021) is a Telugu action, crime, drama film starring Allu Arjun, Rashmika Mandanna, Jagadeesh Bandari. As Pushpa, a labourer, rises in the world of red sandalwood smuggling, he ends up making many enemies. However, violence ensues when the police try to topple his illegal business. Our Rating: 3.25/5. Verdict: BLOCKBUSTER. Released: 17 Dec 2021. Runtime: 2h 59m.
Pushpa: The Rise(2021)
Telugu · Action, Crime, Drama
2h 59m · 17 Dec 2021
Music: Devi Sri Prasad | DOP: Mirosław Kuba Brożek | Writer: Sukumar
Ratings
Our Rating
3.25
📖 Story
Pushpa: The Rise follows the story of Pushpa Raj, a coolie involved in red sandalwood smuggling in the Seshachalam Hills of Andhra Pradesh. The film explores his rise in the smuggling syndicate, his conflicts with law enforcement and rival gangs, and his personal struggles and ambitions.
Allu Arjun: Powerful and intense portrayal of Pushpa Raj, showcasing rugged charm and raw energy.
Rashmika Mandanna: Effective as Srivalli, bringing charm and emotional depth to the role.
Jagadeesh Bandari: Notable supporting role with impactful screen presence.
Sukumar: Strong and convincing as the antagonist, adding tension to the narrative.
💪 Strengths & Weaknesses
Strengths
- ✓Allu Arjun's charismatic performance
- ✓Engaging and gritty storyline
- ✓Devi Sri Prasad's energetic music and background score
- ✓Impressive cinematography capturing the forest and action sequences
- ✓Strong direction by Sukumar
Weaknesses
- ✕Lengthy runtime causing pacing issues in the second half
- ✕Some repetitive scenes and dialogues
- ✕Underdeveloped female characters apart from the lead
🎬 Direction & Writing
Sukumar delivers a stylish and intense narrative with a focus on character-driven storytelling. The writing effectively portrays the underworld of red sandalwood smuggling with rawness and grit, though the screenplay tends to drag in parts.
- - Cinematography by Mirosław Kuba Brożek
- - Music and background score by Devi Sri Prasad
- - Editing that maintains tension in action scenes
- - Production design reflecting rustic forest settings
📰 Ratings Sources
No rating sources available.
Our Rating
💰 Box Office Collection
No collection data available yet.
🏛️ Centers & 🏅 Awards
| Run | Centers |
|---|---|
| 50 Days Centers | 24 |
| 100 Days Centers | 0 |
| Award | Category | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Filmfare Awards South | Best Actor – Telugu | Won by Allu Arjun for Pushpa: The Rise |
| SIIMA Awards | Best Music Director | Won by Devi Sri Prasad |
🏆 Records & Box Office
- - Grossed over ₹350 crore worldwide
- - Strong theatrical run in Telugu states and overseas
- - Notable for Allu Arjun's career-best box office performance
😊 Sentiment Breakdown & 🧠 Critics
| Type | Value |
|---|---|
| Positive | 75% |
| Neutral | 15% |
| Negative | 10% |
Critics
Critics praised Pushpa: The Rise for its raw and rustic portrayal of the smuggling underworld, Allu Arjun's intense performance, and Devi Sri Prasad's music. Some criticism was aimed at the film's length and pacing, but overall it was well received for its mass appeal and technical finesse.
Final Box-Office Result
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
When did Pushpa: The Rise release in theatres?▾
Pushpa: The Rise released on 17 December 2021 (2021).
Is Pushpa: The Rise a hit or flop?▾
Pushpa: The Rise is declared a BLOCKBUSTER at the box office.
What is the budget of Pushpa: The Rise?▾
Budget of Pushpa: The Rise is approximately ₹170 Crore.
Where to watch Pushpa: The Rise online? OTT release date?▾
Pushpa: The Rise is available on Amazon Prime Video from 16 December 2021.
Who directed Pushpa: The Rise?▾
Pushpa: The Rise directed by Sukumar. Produced by Naveen Yerneni, Y. Ravi Shankar.
Who are the main cast members of Pushpa: The Rise?▾
Pushpa: The Rise stars Allu Arjun, Rashmika Mandanna, Jagadeesh Bandari.
What is the Tollybo rating for Pushpa: The Rise?▾
Tollybo rates Pushpa: The Rise 3.25/5. Verdict: BLOCKBUSTER.
Who composed the music for Pushpa: The Rise?▾
Music for Pushpa: The Rise composed by Devi Sri Prasad.
What is the genre and runtime of Pushpa: The Rise?▾
Pushpa: The Rise — Genre: Action, Crime, Drama, Runtime: 179 minutes, Language: Telugu.