Understanding the Pager in Pushpa: The Rise and Its Significance

The film Pushpa: The Rise, a cinematic masterpiece directed by Srinivas Villela, features Allu Arjun's character, Pushpa Raj, using a specific device known as a pager to receive messages. This device plays a crucial role in the storyline, reflecting the communication methods of the era and the secretive nature of the red sandalwood smuggling trade that forms the backdrop of the film.

The Role of the Pager in Pushpa

The pager, also known as a 'beeper' or 'message pager', is a small electronic device that allows users to receive short messages and alerts through wireless communication. In the film, Pushpa Raj utilizes this device to stay in touch with his suppliers and clients in the clandestine world of red sandalwood trade. This reliance on pagers highlights the duplicitous and hidden nature of the operations, as well as the limitations of communication technology during that period.

How Pagers Worked

The pager service operated through dedicated networks such as BPL Pagepoint, with users needing to call a specific hotline number to transmit messages. The sender would provide the recipient's pager number and the message, which was then relayed to the recipient. Typically, these messages were brief, ranging from a few letters to a few words. The widespread use of pagers in the U.S. indicates that they were a significant form of communication up until the early 2000s when mobile phones became more prevalent.

Challenges with In-Depth Representation in the Movie

While the inclusion of pagers in Pushpa: The Rise adds authenticity to the setting, there are a few criticisms regarding its portrayal:

Pushpa Raj as a Wage Labourer: The fact that Pushpa, a low-wage labourer, uses a pager might seem inconsistent with his background. This discrepancy could underscore the rapid upward trajectory of his character, but it also highlights a potential gap in the character's development or background. Language of Communication: The predominant use of English for communication in the movie might not fully convey the lack of formal education for Pushpa. The flashbacks depicting his conflicts with his stepbrother in school are limited and do not fully demonstrate his literacy levels or education. Geographic Constraints: The availability of pager services was primarily limited to bigger and smaller cities, not remote areas. This detail might add to the authenticity of the setting, but it also limits the scope of the story to urban centers.

Evolution of Communication Technology

The pager, being a transitional technology, reflects the rapid changes in communication methods over the decades. As mobile phones became more advanced and accessible, the need for dedicated pager services diminished. By the mid-2000s, pagers became increasingly obsolete, giving way to more sophisticated and versatile communication tools.

Conclusion

The pager in Pushpa: The Rise is a multifaceted element that not only enriches the film's setting but also serves as a historical marker of communication technologies in India and the world. While there are valid points of contention regarding the character's use of pagers, the inclusion of this device adds depth and context to the film's narrative, particularly in the context of the clandestine and secretive nature of the red sandalwood trade.

Keywords: Pager, Pushpa movie, Red Sandalwood Trade