6 game-changing lessons from Pushpa 2 that Bollywood must embrace to stay relevant – The Blueprint for a Blockbuster Revival

The unprecedented box office success of Pushpa 2 – The Rule, starring Allu Arjun, has not only redefined the benchmarks of cinematic triumph but also delivered a masterclass in connecting with audiences across demographics. The film’s meteoric rise to becoming a Pan-India sensation underscores its innovative approach to storytelling, marketing, and character development. In this special feature, Bollywood Hungama dives deep into the six key lessons that the Bollywood fraternity can glean from this historic blockbuster to revive its mass appeal and remain relevant in an ever-evolving cinematic landscape.

 1. The Power of mass appeal and relatable storytelling Pushpa 2 – The Rule is a mass entertainer unabashedly. The makers peppered the film with tons of mass-elevation scenes and showcased Allu Arjun’s character like a demigod. At the same time, the film has its share of family drama and love story. The dynamics between Pushpa and his step-brother and the bond shared by Pushpa and step-niece worked wonders, that too, with all sections of the audience. Lesson for Bollywood: We need to showcase our heroes like heroes and add conflicts that can resonate not just with the elites but also with the masses. Pushpa’s desperation for acceptance by his father’s family was easy to understand to a Pan-India audience, unlike many films where the central conflict is often too niche.

2. Superstar branding and consistent characterization The character of Pushpa is well-fleshed out. His style and swagger are its USPs, be it his humped shoulder, his beard, and of course his takiya kalam, ‘Apun jhukega nahin saala’. Also, from the first part to the sequel, the character seems consistent and the makers never take any detours and add elements that don't suit what Pushpa truly stands for. Lesson for Bollywood: We need to make our heroes not just massy but also popular among the masses. When was the last time we saw people across the country imitating a Bollywood hero and mouthing his dialogues? Also, the balance between showing the hero indulging in illegal activities and yet making him likable needs to be achieved. In Raees (2017), for instance, the protagonist suddenly starts building low-income housing in the second half and it took the charm away from the character. Such blunders need to be avoided.

3. High-Octane music and strategic marketing Pushpa 2 – The Rule’s music hasn’t met expectations but its placement did. Also, every track is shot mesmerizingly. 'Angaaron', especially, took the film to dizzying heights, and no wonder, the views on these songs have gone up considerably after the film’s release as the audience can’t get enough of it. Moreover, in a rare instance, the songs were released many months before and interestingly, they chose to show the BTS version instead of the visuals. The experiment worked as the audience was in for a surprise to see a saree-clad Allu Arjun shaking a leg with Rashmika Mandanna in 'Angaaron'. Lesson for Bollywood: It’s time for our filmmakers to have songs and then use them creatively. They need to go extra length to ensure that the song’s picturization stands out and also that its placement is strategic. And we need not necessarily look at the South. Animal is a classic example of how one can go creative while using songs to take the narrative further.

4. Regional integration for pan-India success Pushpa 2 – The Rule used basic themes and moreover packaged it in a mass-appealing manner. It showed Indian culture at its best and the dialect used is very desi at heart. As a result, every part of India accepted it whole-heartedly. Lesson for Bollywood: The film proves that authenticity sells and the more you cater to the lowest common denominator, the more your film can do numbers. Moreover, as shown by Shah Rukh Khan with Jawan or Salman Khan with Sikandar, it can be a good idea to collaborate with South filmmakers to make a real Pan-India film, in case our Bollywood filmmakers are unable to do.

5. Engaging narratives over star power Pushpa 2 – The Rule features a big star but more than that, it had a powerful script. Without the script, the star power alone could have just guaranteed an opening. It wouldn’t have led to record level trends and this proves yet again why script and heroism should go hand-in-hand. Lesson for Bollywood: Having a top hero or heroes is not enough. Let’s work hard on our scripts and let’s give the audience an experience they’ll never forget. In return, they’ll help break records that the world will never forget!

6. Heroine need not be eye-candy Srivalli, the character of Rashmika Mandanna in the sequel, has a separate fan base. She’s not there for the heck of it. Her desire to see her husband clicking a picture with the Chief Minister leads to the collapse of the government in the film! She initiates sex and moreover, when her husband is publicly humiliated, she stands up for him and how. Lesson for Bollywood: Those days are gone when the heroines were merely eye candy in action films. They need to be an important part of the narrative. You don’t need to necessarily show them doing action but in their own way, they can impact the storyline. In return, it can further add to the box office collections. 

To conclude: The success of Pushpa 2 – The Rule is a wake-up call for Bollywood to reinvent itself by focusing on authenticity, diversity, and storytelling excellence. By learning from its Pan-India appeal, the industry can break free from formulaic content and cater to a global audience hungry for fresh, innovative cinema.

Also Read: Allu Arjun’s FIRST statement after being released from jail in Pushpa 2 stampede case: “It was totally out of my personal control”