 |
| Singham Again review; The film stars Ajay Devgn, Kareena Kapoor, Akshay Kumar, Ranveer Singh, Tiger Shroff and Deepika Padukone. |
Singham Again, the latest addition to Rohit Shetty's cop universe, brings back Ajay Devgn as the fierce supercop Bajirao Singham. Despite its Ramayana-inspired narrative and an array of celebrity cameos, the film falls short of expectations, leaving audiences yearning for the energetic, fresh touch Shetty's earlier films were known for.
Plot Overview: Familiar Territory, Ramayana Twist
The story follows Bajirao Singham, now stationed in Kashmir, leading a specialized police unit called the Special Operations Group. The narrative kicks off with the reappearance of his old adversary, Omar Hafeez, played by Jackie Shroff, and his grandson Zubair (Arjun Kapoor), a drug lord from Sri Lanka out for revenge. The conflict escalates when Zubair kidnaps Singham's wife, Avni (Kareena Kapoor Khan), setting the stage for a classic cop-versus-villain showdown.
Where "Singham Again" aims for novelty is in its Ramayana parallels. The storyline incorporates Ramleela fragments, attempting to draw a mythological link to Singham’s battle with evil. However, this attempt feels contrived and, at times, jarring, as scenes awkwardly merge mythological references with modern action sequences. The attempt to parallel the Ramayana, while intriguing in concept, feels superficial and doesn't bring the expected depth to the story.
Star-Studded Cameos: A Mixed Bag
In true Rohit Shetty fashion, the film is brimming with Bollywood star power. Fans see appearances from Deepika Padukone, Tiger Shroff, Ranveer Singh, and Akshay Kumar, with Singh’s Simmba being the standout. While these cameo performances bring momentary excitement, they also feel underutilized, failing to contribute meaningfully to the plot. Instead of enhancing the story, they serve more as brief spectacles, showcasing Shetty's penchant for assembling Bollywood’s elite.
Ranveer Singh shines as Simmba, injecting energy into the film with his characteristic charm and humor. However, the return of other characters, such as Akshay Kumar's Sooryavanshi, feels repetitive and lacks the novelty required to rejuvenate the franchise.
Ajay Devgn's Singham: A Hero Stuck in the Past
Ajay Devgn’s Singham remains a stoic, almost divinely portrayed figure, but the character’s intensity feels stagnant. Known for his fierce expressions and heroic image, Devgn’s character would benefit from a bit more evolution, especially in a franchise that has spanned over a decade. The predictable nature of his character and his interactions with villains leave little room for surprises, making the film's action sequences feel somewhat stale.
Religious Undertones and Political Messaging
One notable aspect of "Singham Again" is its bold nationalistic and religious undertones. The film makes several references to Hindu mythology, regional pride, and nationalism. While Shetty's previous films have subtly nodded toward these themes, "Singham Again" goes a step further, especially in scenes where Singham connects his identity with Maratha and Hindu pride. Some viewers may find this messaging forceful, potentially detracting from the film’s appeal as an action-packed entertainer.
Final Verdict: A Franchise Losing Its Edge
"Singham Again" is a classic example of a franchise relying heavily on its past formula without pushing boundaries. While the action is grand and the cast star-studded, the film feels creatively worn-out. The Ramayana-inspired theme and high-profile cameos can’t mask the lack of originality, leaving fans wondering if the Cop Universe has reached its natural end.
For fans of the Singham franchise, "Singham Again" offers moments of nostalgia but falls short of delivering a refreshing experience. As Bollywood action movies evolve, audiences are ready for more innovation, something this franchise may need to stay relevant in the years to come.