Watch Guide – Pushpa 2: The Rule

We've put together this watch guide to help viewers understand the key themes of the film. It looks at content that some might want to be aware of beforehand, so they can decide how it may affect them.

***This guide contains spoilers for the film and discusses content that might be challenging for some viewers.***

What’s it about? 

In Pushpa 2: The Rule, Pushpa Raj (Allu Arjun) has cemented his place as a leader in the dangerous world of sandalwood smuggling, with tensions rising in his rivalry against police officer Bhanwar Singh Shekhawat (Fahadh Faasil).

What to expect:

Sexual violence themes

The film includes sexual violence threats and depictions of sexual violence against a female character named Kaveri, although the depictions are not graphic. In one scene, a group of men approach Kaveri at a festival and joke about taking her clothes off. They begin pushing her around and she looks visibly distressed. However, Pushpa – who is Kaveri’s uncle – steps in and fights them off before they can do anything.

In a later scene, Kaveri is kidnapped and held for ransom by the same group of men, who cover her mouth and throw her into a van. When Pushpa finds out, he learns that one of the men has just been released from prison, where he had been serving time for rape. Once Pushpa arrives at the location she’s being held, Kaveri is bought out with a gun pointed at her head. The men shove her around and pull at her hair, and then tug her clothes to reveal parts of her body including the torso and the legs, joking that there are “no marks” on her. Eventually, they begin to tear the top of Kaveri’s sari, exposing her bra and shoulders, and making her extremely distressed. One man later says he will “sleep with her every day.” Like the earlier scene, Pushpa intervenes and saves Kaveri.

While no sexual violence is shown on screen, these moments may still be upsetting for viewers who have gone through similar experiences.

Violence and disturbing content

Pushpa 2 contains frequent and escalating violence, especially in the second half of the film. The intensity of these scenes, combined with the use of slow-motion, realistic sounds and other dramatic effects, can make the violence feel more powerful.

Early in the film, fight scenes involve punching, kicking, and gunfire, with no detailed depiction of injuries or blood. However, as the story progresses, the violence becomes more graphic. Weapons like sickles, spears, axes, and guns are used to kill, with scenes including biting, dismemberment, stabbings, and close-ups of throats being slit. The detailed portrayal of injuries, combined with blood and unsettling sound effects, can be distressing for viewers sensitive to graphic content.

There are also some violent phrases said, like “I’ll hack each of your throats like a sacrificial goat” (which he follows through on) that some could find disturbing.

We encourage viewers to consider these elements when deciding if Pushpa 2 aligns with their comfort levels.

Cruelty 

A flashback shows Pushpa as a young boy, being bullied by a group of children who tell him to ‘fetch’ a ball from the water, even though he can’t swim. He jumps in and flails about as he tries to stay afloat.

After being caught, sandalwood smugglers are transported around in cages.

Crime

Pushpa 2 revolves around a world of crime, power, and revenge, where illegal activities are a key part of the story. Pushpa is the leader of a red sandalwood smuggling syndicate, and operations are violent and ruthless, with constant clashes between rival gangs, smugglers, and law enforcement.

Corruption also plays a significant role, as law enforcement and officials manipulate the system for personal gain.

Other themes:

There are a few sexual references throughout the film. Pushpa’s wife Srivalli talks about “getting feelings” when he touches her or does something nice for her, which implies arousal. In one scene after she “gets feelings,” it cuts to the two of them lying on the kitchen floor, dishevelled with a mess of food all around them.

Impact on Young Audiences:

Pushpa 2: The Rule has the potential to spark some serious, potentially confronting conversations. The first film’s success, along with the sequel’s big-name actors might draw in younger viewers, but some of the film's content, including sexual violence themes, require careful thought. Talking with others about your viewing experience can help you process the film’s material. Here are a few questions to guide discussions with whānau or friends after watching:

• What did you think about the characters and their relationships?
• How did the film make you feel?
• Did the movie’s themes come across clearly, or were they confusing?
• How did you feel about the ending?
• Were there any scenes that made you uncomfortable?

These questions can help viewers think critically about the film’s content and encourage more thoughtful engagement.

If you’re thinking about watching Pushpa 2: The Rule, it’s important to check the content warnings and be aware of the themes.

If you’re struggling with the film’s themes, here are some tips:

• Don’t feel like you have to watch something just because it’s popular
• If you will be watching, check in with yourself and listen to how you are feeling
• Take breaks if you’re feeling overwhelmed
• Really not feeling good? Consider leaving - it will always be available on streaming services later

Helplines

The sexual violence themes could be upsetting for some viewers, especially for those who have gone through similar experiences. If you are struggling with what you have seen on-screen please reach out for help. If you or someone you know needs to talk:

• Women’s refuge
• 1737
• Safe to talk
• Lifeline
• Youthline

Further reading

• When trauma is involved, there are no spoilers (Blog)
• Why are ratings and content warnings important for me and my whānau? (Blog)
• Pushpa 2: The Rule (Content Breakdown)
• Pushpa: The Rise (Content Breakdown)