Singham Again Review: Ajay Devgn, Rohit Shetty, and a Star-Studded Cast Bring Action-Packed Entertainment with Some Surprises
Film Title: Singham Again
Director: Rohit Shetty
Cast: Ajay Devgn, Kareena Kapoor Khan, Ranveer Singh, Akshay Kumar, Deepika Padukone, Tiger Shroff, Arjun Kapoor, Jackie Shroff
Writers: Rohit Shetty, Milap Zaveri, Yunus Sajawal, Abhijeet Khuman, Kshitij Patwardhan, Sandeep Saket, Anusha Nandakumar, Shantanu Srivastava, Vidhi Ghodgaonkar
Rating: 3/5
Overview:
After much anticipation, Singham Again, directed by Rohit Shetty, returns to the big screen with Ajay Devgn reprising his iconic role as Bajirao Singham. This time, Shetty expands his cinematic cop universe, adding layers of complexity and drama that intertwine with action, suspense, and several star-studded cameos. With nods to the epic Ramayana, Singham Again attempts to blend mythological parallels with modern-day heroics, crafting an engaging narrative that explores vengeance, duty, and familial bonds.
Plot Summary:
The film opens with Bajirao Singham (Ajay Devgn), the steadfast and fearless cop, arresting notorious terrorist Omar Hafeez (Jackie Shroff), finally bringing him to justice. With his mission accomplished, Singham attempts to settle into a quieter life with his wife, Avni (Kareena Kapoor Khan), and their son, Shaurya. However, their peace is shattered when Omar’s grandson, Zubair—infamously known as “Danger Lanka” (Arjun Kapoor)—seeks revenge and kidnaps Avni. Driven by vengeance and determined to exact justice, Zubair threatens Singham’s loved ones, setting off a chain of events that brings together an elite team of formidable cops.
Singham, unwilling to allow his family to become victims of his past, enlists the help of his allies: Shakti Shetty (Deepika Padukone), Satya (Tiger Shroff), Sangram Bhalerao (Ranveer Singh), and Veer Sooryavanshi (Akshay Kumar). Together, they set off to rescue Avni and take down Danger Lanka, each bringing their unique skills and personalities to the mission. The film follows their journey as they battle Zubair’s men, uncover unexpected alliances, and confront their own personal challenges.
What Works in Singham Again
Singham Again cleverly incorporates mythological elements, drawing parallels between the story and the Ramayana. The connection adds a unique layer to the narrative, allowing Shetty to infuse heroism and moral undertones reminiscent of epic tales. Although there are minor inconsistencies, the film’s screenplay remains engaging, delivering a mix of action, suspense, and drama that keeps audiences captivated. The second half of the movie, in particular, is filled with adrenaline-pumping scenes and high-stakes confrontations that evoke applause and cheers.
Arjun Kapoor’s portrayal of Danger Lanka is a pleasant surprise. He makes an impactful entrance, defying critics who doubted his potential as a villain in the Singham franchise. His portrayal is intense and fits the film’s dramatic tone, effectively silencing skeptics. Similarly, Tiger Shroff’s entry scene is well-executed and is sure to generate excitement among fans. This sequence, where Zubair and Satya face off, stands out as one of the film’s highlights, showcasing Tiger’s strengths as an action hero.
Ranveer Singh’s comic timing and energetic performance elevate the film’s humor, especially in the post-interval portion. His character’s meta references and clever dialogues provide moments of relief in an otherwise intense storyline. He injects humor into the narrative, making his presence enjoyable and memorable. Finally, a cameo by Salman Khan as Chulbul Pandey in the post-credit scene is a delightful surprise, hinting at future collaborations in the cop universe and leaving the audience with a smile.
What Doesn’t Work in Singham Again
While Singham Again delivers plenty of entertaining moments, it also has its shortcomings. Some dialogues, though intended to be humorous or intense, come off as clichéd or cringeworthy. These moments detract from the overall tone of the film, especially when they break the immersive experience that Rohit Shetty’s direction strives to create.
Deepika Padukone’s character, Shakti Shetty, enters the scene with high expectations. However, her role could have been more impactful. Despite her undeniable talent, the character’s introduction lacks the intensity required to make a lasting impression. Furthermore, the climactic sequence—where the ensemble of cops battles Zubair and his army—could have been executed with a grittier, more serious approach. The tone of this final confrontation feels slightly off-balance, leaning too heavily into theatrics rather than gripping action.
Akshay Kumar’s cameo as Veer Sooryavanshi doesn’t fully live up to expectations either. Despite his charismatic presence, the lack of a strong thematic score and some last-minute changes to his character’s music lessen the impact of his scenes. Additionally, while the film boasts a stellar cast and a visually appealing production, it lacks a memorable soundtrack, which would have added depth to key moments and heightened the emotional resonance.
Performances and Direction
Ajay Devgn reprises his role as Bajirao Singham with a matured presence. Unlike the previous films, where Singham’s larger-than-life dialogues and intensity dominated the screen, his character has evolved, reflecting a quieter but resolute strength. Devgn successfully brings this nuance to the character, embodying a man who has aged gracefully, carrying his legacy with dignity while balancing the responsibilities of a family man. Though his dialogues may not be as fiery as in the earlier installments, Devgn’s performance retains the gravitas and charisma that make Singham iconic.
Kareena Kapoor Khan, portraying Avni, is limited in her role. Although she adds charm to her character, her screen time is minimal, restricting her ability to showcase her range as an actress. Deepika Padukone’s portrayal of Shakti Shetty is similarly constrained. Despite her potential to bring depth to the role, her character lacks substantial development, reducing her to a supporting role rather than a central figure in the narrative.
Tiger Shroff’s performance as Satya is a treat for fans, finally providing him with a role that aligns with his action-star persona. His stunts and fight sequences are thrilling, making his character’s rivalry with Zubair a standout aspect of the film. Ranveer Singh, as always, is a powerhouse of energy and humor. His comedic timing is impeccable, and he brings much-needed levity to intense situations, delivering his dialogues with a flair that adds entertainment value.
Akshay Kumar, though not as impactful as expected, still has moments that showcase his star power. Meanwhile, Arjun Kapoor, playing the antagonist, manages to surprise with his intense and dramatic portrayal. His performance adds a fresh dynamic to the villainous role, giving Zubair a distinct presence that complements Singham’s heroism.
Director Rohit Shetty has once again crafted an ambitious cop drama, expanding his cinematic universe and exploring new dimensions in his characters. While Shetty’s direction succeeds in orchestrating large-scale action sequences and visually impressive scenes, Singham Again falls short of the high expectations audiences have for his work. The screenplay, though engaging, could have benefitted from tighter editing and a more cohesive tone.
Technical Aspects
The film’s production design is nothing short of grand, with high-budget sets, elaborate costumes, and intricate action choreography contributing to the film’s appeal. The visual effects, especially in the explosive action scenes, are executed with precision, enhancing the cinematic experience. Each character’s entry is marked with stylized effects that add to the drama, particularly in the case of Arjun Kapoor and Tiger Shroff, whose introductory scenes are designed to captivate and impress.
The cinematography captures the grandeur of Singham Again effectively, highlighting both the beauty and danger of the film’s various locales. From intense fight sequences to scenic shots that underscore the emotional depth of certain scenes, the cinematography enhances the film’s visual narrative.
While the sound design is commendable, building suspense and heightening action scenes, the lack of a chart-topping song is noticeable. Music plays a crucial role in Bollywood films, and the absence of a memorable soundtrack limits the film’s ability to create lasting emotional impact. Had there been a standout track, certain scenes could have resonated more powerfully with the audience.
Final Verdict of Singham Again
Singham Again is a solid entertainer, especially for fans of Rohit Shetty’s cop universe. The film delivers high-octane action, memorable character moments, and a few surprises, making it an enjoyable watch for those looking for a light-hearted, action-packed cinematic experience. With a cast brimming with Bollywood’s biggest names and a story that pays homage to epic mythology, Singham Again appeals to families and fans of the franchise alike.
However, it’s essential to manage expectations before heading to the cinema. While Singham Again has its thrilling moments and entertaining sequences, it lacks the sharpness and emotional depth that could elevate it from an enjoyable film to an unforgettable experience. For viewers looking for escapism and a chance to see their favorite stars in action, this Diwali offering is a decent choice that promises laughs, cheers, and a hint of nostalgia.
Ultimately, Singham Again may not reach the iconic status of the original, but it serves its purpose as an entertaining, star-studded spectacle. The film offers a blend of humor, drama, and adrenaline, making it a fun, family-friendly addition