 |
|
The highly anticipated Telugu-language action film, "Pushpa 2: The Rule," starring Allu Arjun, has recently undergone alterations by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) in India. The censor board, responsible for reviewing films before their public release, has mandated the removal of several scenes and specific words deemed too violent or inappropriate for a broad audience. This decision has generated significant discussion within the Indian film industry and among fans eagerly awaiting the film's release.
According to reports, the CBFC's primary concern revolved around the level of violence depicted in certain scenes. One particularly notable scene involved an amputated leg sailing through the air, a graphic image that the board determined was excessively violent and needed to be removed. Another scene showing the protagonist, Pushpa, holding a severed arm also fell under the censor's scrutiny. These scenes, along with others deemed too graphic, have been ordered for deletion to ensure the film receives a more lenient certification, potentially impacting the overall narrative flow and intended impact of the action sequences. The process of removing these scenes likely involved extensive post-production work, potentially delaying the film's release date.
Beyond the visual violence, the censor board also focused on certain words considered offensive or inappropriate. The report indicates that the word "r*i" (a highly offensive term in Telugu) was removed from three different dialogues within the film. Additionally, the words "Denguddi" and "Venkateshwar" were also cut. While the exact reasoning behind the removal of each word might vary, it's apparent that the CBFC aimed to align the film's language with a broader acceptance standard suitable for a U/A certificate (suitable for all audiences, with parental guidance suggested for younger viewers). This careful consideration of language and content underscores the evolving landscape of censorship within the Indian film industry.
The initial release date for "Pushpa 2: The Rule" was slated for August, but various production and post-production adjustments, including those mandated by the CBFC, led to several delays. Eventually, December 6th was announced as the official release date. However, this was further adjusted by a day, and the movie is now set to hit theatres on December 5th. This last-minute shift in the release date speaks to the intensity of the post-production work, and the importance of achieving a favorable censorship rating to ensure a smooth release in theaters across India.
The film itself, directed by Sukumar and produced by Mythri Movie Makers and Sukumar Writings, represents the sequel to the highly successful "Pushpa: The Rise." The sequel promises to continue the story of Pushpa Raj, a sandalwood smuggler, played once again by the charismatic Allu Arjun. Returning alongside Arjun are Rashmika Mandanna as Srivalli and Fahadh Faasil as SP Bhanwar Singh Shekhawat. New to the cast is Sreeleela, who will feature in a special dance number dubbed the "Kissik Song of the Year." This suggests that the producers and director have not only maintained the core elements from the first film but also sought to add new layers to keep the storyline exciting and fresh for viewers.
The trailer, released in mid-November, generated significant buzz and anticipation for the film's release. The footage showcased the high-octane action sequences, dramatic confrontations, and signature style of Allu Arjun that defined the first installment. However, the alterations made by the censor board may subtly change the viewer experience, raising questions about the impact of censorship on the artistic vision and the narrative arc of the film. It remains to be seen how these changes will affect the overall reception of "Pushpa 2: The Rule," and whether the film will live up to the exceptionally high expectations generated by its predecessor.
Allu Arjun himself expressed his sentiments on completing the film, sharing a picture of the final day of shooting on Instagram, captioning it, "Last day, last shot of Pushpa. Five years' journey of Pushpa completed. What a journey." This statement underscores the significant time and effort invested in bringing this project to fruition, and the emotional attachment of the cast and crew to the film. It highlights the culmination of years of hard work, but this positive sentiment is somewhat tempered by the necessary censorship revisions imposed before release.