Pushpa 2: The Rule has taken off to a 'wildfire' start at the box office, though it has received mixed reviews from critics. A sequel to the 2021 blockbuster Pushpa: The Rise, this Sukumar-directed action masala entertainer sees Allu Arjun reprising his iconic role as the smuggler-turned-gangster Pushpa Raj, a performance that earned him a National Award. Most of the original cast returns, including Rashmika Mandanna as Pushpa Raj's love interest-turned-wife, Srivalli, and Fahadh Faasil as the antagonist, IPS officer Bhanwar Singh Shekhawat.?¡®Pushpa 2: The Rule¡¯ Movie Review: Allu Arjun Gets God-Elevated in Sukumar¡¯s Meandering Hero-Worship Exercise.

The issue is that Pushpa Raj is portrayed as so powerful and invincible in the sequel that Bhanwar Singh Shekhawat hardly feels like a credible threat. While his character was humiliated by the end of the first film despite his late entry, the sequel follows a similar pattern. Although Bhanwar gets more screen time here, and Fahadh has more opportunities to showcase his acting prowess, the character still feels sidelined. Some of the film's best moments are the fun face-offs between Pushpa and Bhanwar, yet the latter feels underdeveloped as a worthy adversary for the hero.

SPOILERS ahead: Bhanwar exits the story before the third act, having been bested by Pushpa throughout the film without leaving a lasting mark on the narrative. To make matters worse, Pushpa 2: The Rule introduces a new antagonist in its shaky third act, further diminishing Bhanwar¡¯s impact.

Watch the Trailer of 'Pushpa 2: The Rule':

Many fans of Fahadh Faasil have expressed disappointment with his underutilised role, sharing their frustrations on social media. Some speculate that Fahadh¡¯s lack of participation in the film's promotions could be due to his own dissatisfaction with the character, though these claims remain unverified. Fans have even urged Fahadh to avoid roles in other languages that fail to do justice to his immense talent.?Allu Arjun¡¯s ¡®Pushpa 2¡¯ Premiere: Police Save Unconscious Child¡¯s Life With Quick CPR Amid Stampede at Hyderabad Theatre (Watch Video).

Netizen's Reactions on Fahadh Faasil's Role in Pushpa 2: The Rule

'Evilly Underutilised'