Pushpa: The Rise - Part 1 (2021)

Pushpa: The Rise - Part 1 (2021) is a gritty, high-energy action-crime drama set in the dense Seshachalam forests against the backdrop of the lucrative and illegal red sandalwood trade. The story follows Pushpa Raj, a downtrodden laborer and illegitimate son who refuses to accept his lowly place. When he gets involved in the red sandalwood smuggling racket, his cunning, audacity and knack for bluffing bring him to the attention of powerful players — the local police led by DSP Govindappa and the ruthless Reddy brothers. Pushpa’s rise from exploited laborer to a feared and influential smuggler sparks rivalries with syndicate members like Mangalam Srinu, ruptures family ties, jeopardizes his relationship with Srivalli, and sets the stage for an escalating gang war. What you’ll experience: - A raw, earthy world of forest smuggling and small-town power politics — visually atmospheric and often violent. - Tense cat-and-mouse confrontations between Pushpa, the police and rival gangs, interspersed with bold smuggling set-pieces and stunts. - A central antihero arc: Pushpa’s ambition, street-smart tricks, and growing ruthlessness make him both magnetic and morally ambiguous. - Emotional beats around family, honor and love that underpin the action, including the personal humiliation and heartbreak that drive Pushpa. - Energetic, larger-than-life performances and an ostentatious, pulsing tone that blends dark crime drama with mass-entertainer moments. - A cliffhanger feel — as Part 1 builds Pushpa’s ascent, many conflicts remain open and tense, promising further escalation. Overall, expect a tough, visceral gangster origin story: loud, intense, sometimes brutal, and driven by one man’s hunger to rise above his lot.

Actors: Allu Arjun, Fahadh Faasil, Rashmika Mandanna

Director: Sukumar

Genres: Action, Adventure, Crime

7.6 /10 7.6 /10