After a successful stint as a hero, Jagapathi Babu made a commanding comeback as a villain in Legend, solidifying his place as one of Telugu cinema’s most formidable antagonists. His role as the menacing villain peaked with his critically acclaimed performance in Rangasthalam. Expanding his horizons, Jagapathi Babu portrayed antagonists in blockbuster films like Bairavaa and Kisi Ka Bhai Kisi Ki Jaan, showcasing his versatility across multiple industries.
When it was announced that Jagapathi Babu would play a pivotal role in Pushpa 2, expectations soared. Fans anticipated a character as intense and impactful as his roles in Nannaku Prematho or Rangasthalam. However, his portrayal of Central Minister Kogatam Veera Pratap Reddy in Pushpa 2 turned out to be a letdown. The role was underwhelming, lacking the depth and gravitas expected from an actor of his caliber. His character felt one-dimensional and underutilized, almost as if it could have been portrayed by a lesser-known actor, failing to capitalize on Jagapathi Babu’s powerful screen presence.
Despite a twist towards the end that ties his character to Pushpa’s conflict, it feels abrupt and forced, evoking memories of the poorly executed climax twist in Family Star. While the setup hints at a much larger role for Jagapathi Babu in Pushpa 3, where he is expected to lead a gang of villains alongside Jaali Reddy (played by Daali Dhananjay), his character in Pushpa 2 does little to leave a lasting impression.
With no official announcements or timelines for Pushpa 3, the lackluster execution of Jagapathi Babu’s character in Pushpa 2 remains a missed opportunity in an otherwise successful franchise. Fans can only hope that the next installment fully harnesses his immense talent and presence.