Singham Again Review: Loud, Predictable, and Over-the-Top Action

“Singham Again,” directed by Rohit Shetty, is the latest addition to his much-publicized Cop Universe. Ajay Devgn reprises his role as Deputy Commissioner of Police Bajirao Singham, the fearless officer on a mission to eradicate evil. This time, Singham faces an international terrorist and a personal vendetta. Despite a talented cast, an ample budget, and Shetty’s signature action sequences, the film falls flat. With predictable plot points and repetitive gimmicks, “Singham Again” is a loud spectacle that offers little substance.

The Plot: Familiar Territory

The plot of “Singham Again” revolves around DCP Bajirao Singham, who returns to battle a new enemy, Danger Lanka alias Zubair Hafeez (Arjun Kapoor), a terrorist with a personal vendetta. Zubair seeks revenge for his family and wants to free his grandfather, Omar Hafeez (Jackie Shroff), from an Indian prison. Singham’s wife, Avni (Kareena Kapoor Khan), becomes a pawn in this game, adding a layer of personal stakes for the protagonist.

Zubair’s motive may seem straightforward, but the narrative quickly devolves into predictable territory. Singham is portrayed as an invincible force of justice, while Zubair plays the stereotypical villain. Shetty incorporates references to Hindu mythology, attempting to draw parallels between the battle of good and evil. However, these mythological elements feel forced and fail to add depth to the story. The connection between Ramayana and the plot lacks subtlety, rendering it more of a gimmick than a meaningful device.

Character Dynamics: Same Old, Same Old

Ajay Devgn’s Bajirao Singham remains the upright, fearless cop who is unyielding in his pursuit of justice. However, this time, Singham is not alone. Shetty brings in his roster of cops from previous films, adding Akshay Kumar’s DCP Veer Sooryavanshi, Ranveer Singh’s ACP Sangram Bhalerao (Simmba), and introduces Tiger Shroff as ACP Satya Bali, a young and enthusiastic officer.

Each character is given traits that align with mythological archetypes. Singham represents Lord Ram, an infallible hero. Sooryavanshi embodies Garuda, serious and slightly rigid, while Simmba is Hanuman-like, a mischievous character who lightens the mood. The newest addition, ACP Satya Bali, is depicted as a dedicated apprentice, similar to Lakshman. While this mythological layering adds some intrigue, it remains superficial and fails to offer any real character development.

One of the few highlights is Ranveer Singh as Simmba. His character, full of energy and humor, steals the spotlight with witty one-liners and his signature flair. Singh’s antics provide much-needed relief amidst the relentless action. However, despite his best efforts, even Singh’s charm cannot redeem the film’s lackluster narrative.

Action Sequences: High on Noise, Low on Impact

Rohit Shetty’s films are known for their explosive action, and “Singham Again” is no different. The film is packed with chase scenes, gunfights, and vehicles crashing into each other. Jeeps, cars, and buildings are destroyed in elaborate sequences, all underscored by an ear-piercing background score. The action scenes aim to be grand and intense but often come across as repetitive and excessive.

One of the signature elements of Shetty’s action design is the slow-motion effect, which has been overused in this installment. Each time Singham makes a dramatic entrance or a punch lands, the camera slows down, emphasizing the impact. While this style has its appeal, it loses its charm due to overuse. The slow-motion shots eventually become tiresome, and the action lacks the adrenaline that Shetty’s previous films generated.

The Mythological Parallels: An Overused Trope

The film attempts to draw parallels between the story of Ramayana and the modern-day battle between Singham and his nemesis. Bajirao Singham takes on the role of Ram, while Zubair is cast as a Ravana-like villain. Avni’s role echoes Sita, caught in the crossfire and used as a pawn. Unfortunately, these comparisons feel forced and contrived, lacking the depth required to make them meaningful.

Mythological references appear sporadically, with a narrator attempting to connect the dots between past epics and present events. However, these connections lack subtlety and appear as a shallow attempt to give the film a sense of grandeur. Instead of enhancing the narrative, these mythological analogies dilute the story, making it seem like an overdone gimmick.

Performances: Some Stand Out, Most Don’t

Ajay Devgn leads the cast as the indomitable Bajirao Singham. Devgn’s portrayal remains consistent with his earlier performances, though the character itself has seen little growth. Singham’s persona as an unstoppable hero has grown stale, as he continues to portray the same traits without any evolution. Devgn delivers his lines with intensity, but the character’s lack of depth limits his performance.

Ranveer Singh, as Simmba, is the film’s brightest spark. His comedic timing, animated expressions, and lively persona bring much-needed energy to the screen. Singh’s Simmba is mischievous yet loyal, providing a contrast to the otherwise serious tone of the film. His interactions with the other characters, especially Devgn’s Singham, offer some of the film’s few engaging moments.

Akshay Kumar as Sooryavanshi and Tiger Shroff as Satya Bali do their part but are overshadowed by the film’s excessive focus on action over substance. Deepika Padukone makes a promising entry as a female cop, but her character is underutilized, serving only as a supporting role rather than a standout presence. Despite her potential, she is relegated to the sidelines, which feels like a missed opportunity.

The Soundtrack: Overbearing and Distracting

One of the major downsides of “Singham Again” is the soundtrack. The background score is loud, intense, and relentless. While Shetty’s films are known for high-energy scores, this time it crosses the line, becoming an overpowering distraction. The music often drowns out dialogues, reducing the emotional impact of scenes. The soundtrack aims to elevate the intensity of the action but ends up being grating and monotonous.

Script and Dialogues: Lacking Originality

“Singham Again” suffers from a weak script and cliched dialogues. Six writers, including Rohit Shetty, worked on the screenplay, yet the film lacks originality. The plot relies heavily on age-old tropes of good versus evil, with few twists to keep the audience engaged. The dialogues are often filled with chest-thumping lines about honor, bravery, and patriotism, but they lack subtlety and emotional depth.

There are moments when the dialogues attempt to be humorous, primarily delivered by Simmba. However, these moments are few, and the humor does not land effectively due to the otherwise serious tone of the film. The lack of engaging dialogue and fresh ideas makes the movie feel recycled, relying more on style than substance.

Verdict: A Disappointing Addition to the Cop Universe

“Singham Again” is an ambitious but flawed film. It tries to do too much, incorporating mythology, high-octane action, and a star-studded cast. However, these elements fail to blend seamlessly. The mythological references feel forced, the action scenes are over-the-top, and the plot is predictable. While the Cop Universe once felt fresh and exhilarating, “Singham Again” feels like a tired attempt to replicate past successes.

Ranveer Singh’s performance as Simmba offers some relief, but even his charisma cannot save the film from its shortcomings. Ajay Devgn’s Singham has become a caricature, with repetitive traits that lack the nuance or depth to keep the audience invested. The supporting cast, including Deepika Padukone, is wasted in underdeveloped roles.

Fans of the Cop Universe may find some entertainment in the sheer scale and spectacle of the film, but for others, it may feel like a rehash of previous movies with minimal innovation. “Singham Again” ultimately fails to deliver a memorable experience, leaning heavily on old tricks that no longer resonate. The loud action, forced mythological references, and predictable storyline make it a forgettable addition to Rohit Shetty’s Cop Universe.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Strong Cast: A talented ensemble cast with Ajay Devgn, Ranveer Singh, Deepika Padukone, and more.
• High-Intensity Action: Classic Rohit Shetty-style action scenes with explosions and slow-motion shots.
• Ranveer Singh’s Performance: Singh’s humor and energy add a spark to the otherwise stale film.

Cons

• Predictable Plot: A rehashed storyline with little originality.
• Overpowering Soundtrack: Background music that distracts rather than enhances.
• Underutilized Characters: Deepika Padukone and others are sidelined in limited roles.
• Overdone Mythological References: Forced connections with Ramayana add little value.

Final Thoughts

“Singham Again” tries to be a grand cinematic experience but falters due to its lack of innovation and over-reliance on formulaic elements. The film does not bring anything new to the table, relying on repetitive themes and high-decibel action. While it may attract loyal fans of the Cop Universe, it falls short of delivering a fresh or engaging experience.

In summary, “Singham Again” is a loud, chaotic, and ultimately shallow action film that fails to capture the charm of its predecessors. If Shetty hopes to keep his Cop Universe relevant, a reinvention may be in order.