Pushpa: The Rise

What’s it about?

Violence breaks out between red sandalwood smugglers and the police tasked with dismantling their operation in the Seshachalam forests of South India.

The facts 

• Directed by Sakumar
• Stars Allu Arjun, Fahdah Faasil, Rashmika Mandanna
• Telugu language 
• Runtime: 178 minutes

Why did it get this rating? 

This film was classified by Te Mana Whakaatu, Classification Office. You can find out more about classification process and ratings here.

Violence and cruelty

This film contains frequent violence with elements of torture, physical harm and cruelty. Characters punch, kick, and shoot each other, and effects like slow motion are often used. Some of the stronger moments include: 

• A character is beaten with sticks while in custody.
• A character’s neck is slashed with a scimitar. Blood splatters widely and they then injure their hands, and fall on their back.
• An explosion results in a severed arm, landing on his chest before the scene cuts. 
• A character is beaten, buried in a shallow grave, and then shot while in the ground.
• A character’s neck is slit. 
• A character is beaten so badly that they require surgery, and its unclear whether they will ever walk again. 
• A character is shot, and afterwards the bullet is seen lodged in their forehead. 

Sexual violence 

Sexual violence is implied when a character breaks open an office door and discovers a woman being held inside. She is in shock and weeping.

When content stays with you: 

We all have our boundaries, and it’s completely okay if something you’ve watched is weighing on your mind. If certain content such as the sexual violence lingers with you, consider having a chat with friends or whānau to debrief about what you’ve just seen. But if you’re still feeling affected, please reach out to any of the following helplines for support.  

• 1737
• Safe to talk
• Lifeline
• Youthline

Further information 

• Why are ratings and content warnings important for me and my whānau?