In his review of Telugu film Pushpa 2: The Rule, veteran Bollywood actor Mukesh Khanna praised the film’s lead actor Allu Arjun.
Famous for playing household superhero Shaktimaan and Bheeshma in the 90s Mahabharat series, actor Mukesh Khanna also has another side. The actor also reviews films for his YouTube channel Bheeshma International. This week, when everyone in the country is discussing Allu Arjun’s Pushpa 2: The Rule, won’t Pandit Gangadhar Vidyadhar Mayadhar Omkarnath Shastri do the same? In a video titled Pushpa 2 Mera Review, Mukesh begins by praising the plot of Pushpa 2, and how South cinema supports a filmmaker’s vision with the necessary funds. The veteran actor said, “A film is not made only with money.
You need to plan, and every rupee invested in Pushpa shows on screen.” Mukesh then talks about the opening sequence of Pushpa 2, in which Allu Arjun’s lead character finds himself suspended in the air, and then delivers a long monologue and fights off several henchmen with knives and machine guns. “The thing is if you present larger-than-life content with conviction, people will accept it. Didn’t Manmohan Desai make us believe that three men donated blood to their mother at the same time in an incredible sequence in Amar Akbar Antony? Conviction makes us forget logic,” said Mukesh, who also gave special praise to the stunt sequences in the sequel.
Giving Allu Arjun’s performance a rating of 8-9 out of 10, Mukesh Khanna revealed that he had not seen the first instalment before, and in fact, this was the first time he had seen the ‘icon star’ on screen. “I think I should watch more of Allu Arjun’s films. Also, I would like to say that he has the potential to become Shaktimaan. I am not saying he is doing it or anything. I am just suggesting that it will look good on him. He has the personality to do it.” In his review, Mukesh also took a few digs at Bollywood, and asked Hindi filmmakers to learn a thing or two from South cinema.
Honestly, provocativeness may make you money, but it is not right.” Sharing the biggest negative of Pushpa 2, Mukesh Khanna shared a disclaimer that there is no basis to ask him to change his opinion, as the film has earned a lot of money. “Whether it is the TRP of a serial or the box-office numbers of a film, none of these matter if the means of this earning is not right. What matters is how you earned recognition and money,” said Mukesh, who also pointed out that South cinema respects religion, while Bollywood filmmakers want to make it a kind of joke.
“Look at the scene where the characters make a model of Shivling in an introduced island to offer their prayers. They respect religion. Today’s Bollywood wants to make money not from content but from controversy,” said Mukesh, who ultimately expressed his biggest concern about Pushpa 2: The Rule. “Why glorify smuggling and why oppose the police? Will you glamorize the late smuggler Veerappan? Here Pushpa challenges the police, insults them and wins in the end. You What are you trying to prove to the public,” asked a disappointed Mukesh.
The Shaktimaan actor said he is against showing any kind of negativity in our films. When I asked the people whistling for Pushpa in my theatre if they were from the South, they replied in the negative. People have flocked from everywhere to watch Pushpa. But what is the message? Is it saying that we can smuggle sandalwood and challenge the police?” asked Mukesh, who urged filmmakers to stop glorifying negative stereotypes and branding.
“There are people who are following Allu Arjun and Pushpa. Filmmakers should make their films keeping in mind the goodwill of the youth.” As a parting note, Mukesh Khanna said it is important that money is invested in the right areas instead of a major part of the budget being allocated for the lead hero. “Will these actors reduce their salary if their films flop? You want to pay someone? Pay the writers who deserve so much more,” the veteran actor said.
Pushpa 2, directed by Sukumar, has entered the Rs 1000 crore club on the 7th day of its release, becoming the fastest Indian film to achieve the number, joining the elite list that includes films like Baahubali 2, KGF 2, Kalki 2898 AD and Dangal.
