Pushpa - The Rise 2021

Pushpa and Kesava start red sandalwood logging

Pushpa and his friend Kesava enter the red sandalwood trade. They log wood for the smuggler Konda Reddy and Pushpa quickly rises by saving stock when authorities almost seize it, while he pitches novel ideas to bypass checkpoints.

Konda Reddy assigns Pushpa to safeguard the consignment

Mangalam Srinu entrusts Pushpa with handling a consignment, while Konda Reddy tasks Pushpa with safeguarding it from the police and ensuring it reaches its destination. This expands Pushpa’s role from courier to a trusted operator inside the network.

Jaali Reddy sabotages dispatch to trap Pushpa

Jaali Reddy, driven by jealousy, sabotages a dispatch so the police can arrest Pushpa. Pushpa’s quick thinking and his crew’s support save the stock, but the act deepens the feud with Jaali and stirs tensions in the syndicate.

Pushpa saves stock and improvises smuggling strategy

Pushpa manages to avert a police seizure and proposes new methods to bypass checkpoints. His success elevates his standing with Konda Reddy and signals his growing independence within the operation.

Pushpa withdraws from Srinu and partners with Murugan

Pushpa withdraws from working for Srinu after uncovering his double dealings and strikes a deal with Murugan, a Chennai-based smuggler. He shares profits with Konda Reddy, strengthening his own network outside Srinu’s control.

Jaali captures Srivalli’s father; threatens Srivalli

Jaali captures Srivalli’s father, who has been working as a mole for Govindappa, and threatens Srivalli to sleep with him for sparing his life. Srivalli confides in Pushpa about the danger and her feelings for him.

Pushpa defeats Jaali and asserts loyalty

Pushpa thrashes Jaali, who is temporarily paralyzed, and refuses to tell his brothers about the beating. The act solidifies Pushpa’s rising influence and fuels Jaali’s vow of revenge once he recovers.

Konda Reddy overhears Pushpa beating Jaali; ambush planned

Konda Reddy overhears a conversation between Pushpa and Kesava about beating Jaali and decides to kill Pushpa in a secluded location. Their plan is interrupted when Mogileesu and his henchmen ambush them, triggering a brutal fight.

Pushpa defeats Mogileesu and rescues Jakka Reddy

During the ambush, Pushpa subdues Mogileesu and kills him, while also rescuing Konda Reddy’s younger brother Jakka Reddy. The battle leaves Konda Reddy severely wounded and later dies, reshaping the power balance of the syndicate.

Konda Reddy dies; funeral and power shift

Konda Reddy dies in the attack, and at his funeral MP Siddhappa Naidu seeks to console Pushpa. He ultimately names Pushpa to run the syndicate in Srinu’s stead, marking Pushpa’s formal ascent within the organization.

Srinu’s wife Dakshayani vows vengeance; Pushpa consolidates power

With Pushpa now a formidable figure, Dakshayani vows to avenge Mogileesu’s death. Pushpa consolidates control over the smuggling operation and begins expanding his influence, setting the stage for further conflicts.

New cop Bhanwar Singh Shekawat arrives; Pushpa negotiates

Bhanwar Singh Shekawat replaces Govindappa as the new police chief. Pushpa offers regular bribes and asserts his willingness to challenge law enforcement, beginning a tense cat-and-mouse dynamic.

Wedding day: Pushpa confronts Shekawat

On the eve of his wedding to Srivalli, Pushpa humiliates Shekawat at a party by forcing him to strip down to his underwear. The display cements Pushpa’s self-made prestige and unsettles the police chief.

Shekawat retaliates; dog shot; money incinerated

After the confrontation, Shekawat returns semi-clothed, shoots his own dog when it barks, and destroys the money sent by Pushpa. He swears vengeance as Pushpa leaves to marry Srivalli.