Singham Again (2024) – Movie Review

The third installment in Rohit Shetty’s popular “Cop Universe,” Singham Again, is a high-octane action-packed thriller that brings together the iconic Bajirao Singham, played by Ajay Devgn, alongside other notable characters from the previous films, including Ranveer Singh’s Simmba and Tiger Shroff’s Satya. Released in November 2024, Singham Again once again delivers Shetty’s signature blend of action, drama, and larger-than-life characters, but with added layers of emotional stakes and a global scale.

Plot Overview

Singham Again expands the universe of its predecessors by taking the narrative beyond Indian borders. The story follows Bajirao Singham as he faces a transnational criminal empire, led by his old nemesis (played by Jackie Shroff), with the backdrop of picturesque Kashmir setting the stage for the high-stakes action. The film delves deeper into Singham’s personal life, particularly focusing on his relationship with his wife, Avni (Kareena Kapoor Khan), whose kidnapping sets the plot in motion. To rescue her, Singham teams up with Simmba, Lady Singham (Deepika Padukone), and Satya (Tiger Shroff), each contributing their unique skills to the mission.

The film weaves elements from the ancient Ramayana, making the characters’ journeys metaphorically connected to the epic’s themes of righteousness, justice, and sacrifice. The action intensifies as Singham’s mission unfolds, drawing in allies and enemies alike, ultimately leading to an epic showdown.

Performances

• Ajay Devgn as Bajirao Singham: Devgn continues to embody the role of Bajirao Singham with his trademark intensity and no-nonsense attitude. He brings a gravitas to the character that makes Singham a symbol of justice and righteousness. As the emotional anchor of the film, Devgn delivers a powerful performance, showing Singham’s unwavering determination to fight for what is right. The emotional stakes in this film, particularly regarding his wife’s kidnapping, add an extra layer to his usually stoic character.
• Ranveer Singh as Simmba: Singh’s portrayal of Simmba is lively and energetic, bringing a much-needed dynamic contrast to Devgn’s Singham. His character’s humor and larger-than-life persona balance out the seriousness of Singham’s mission, and the camaraderie between the two characters adds a sense of fun to the narrative. Singh’s chemistry with the ensemble cast is evident, and his action scenes inject an extra burst of energy into the film.
• Tiger Shroff as Satya: Shroff’s role introduces a fresh dynamic to the Singham universe. His character, Satya, is both intense and vulnerable, and Shroff delivers a performance that is both physically demanding and emotionally compelling. His action sequences are some of the film’s most electrifying moments, showcasing his martial arts skills and athleticism.
• Deepika Padukone as Lady Singham: While Padukone’s character holds significant potential, her role in Singham Again is somewhat underutilized. Though she delivers a strong performance, her character’s presence feels sidelined, especially given the star power she brings to the table. Lady Singham is an intriguing character, but her screen time could have been expanded to give her more depth.
• Kareena Kapoor Khan as Avni: Khan brings an emotional depth to the film as Singham’s wife, Avni. Her abduction is the catalyst that propels the film’s narrative, and Khan’s performance adds an emotional weight to Singham’s journey. However, some might feel that the film could have explored her character further, particularly given the central role she plays in the story.
• Jackie Shroff as the Villain: As the antagonist, Jackie Shroff’s character is menacing and formidable, but some critics noted a lack of character development. His motivations seem somewhat shallow, making it harder for audiences to fully invest in his villainy. Despite this, Shroff’s presence adds a sense of authority to the film’s antagonistic force.

Direction and Cinematography

Rohit Shetty’s direction is one of the film’s most notable aspects. Known for his ability to direct large-scale, action-heavy films, Shetty doesn’t disappoint with Singham Again. The action sequences are grand and full of flair, with Shetty bringing his signature style of intense car chases, explosions, and high-speed action to the screen. The film’s cinematography captures the stunning vistas of Kashmir, contrasting the serene beauty of the landscapes with the chaotic intensity of the action.

However, while the action scenes are thrilling, there are moments where the reliance on CGI and exaggerated stunts can detract from the realism. Some sequences feel a bit too over-the-top, losing the grounded feel that made the previous Singham films so impactful. Nonetheless, Shetty’s ability to balance action with emotional storytelling still makes the film engaging.

Critical Reception

Singham Again has garnered a range of reviews, with a mix of praise for its action sequences and performances, as well as some critiques regarding the script and pacing.

• Positive Feedback: Many have lauded the film for its star-studded ensemble and the palpable chemistry between the main cast members. Ajay Devgn’s performance as Singham continues to be the highlight of the series, with many appreciating the emotional depth he brings to the character. The action scenes, though exaggerated at times, still manage to captivate, especially for fans of Shetty’s unique brand of filmmaking.
• Critical Observations: On the downside, some critics have pointed to the film’s reliance on star power over a cohesive narrative. The film’s pacing, especially in the second half, tends to drag, with the focus shifting from the emotional stakes to action set pieces. Additionally, while the story introduces some interesting new characters, the screenplay sometimes feels repetitive, with predictable plot twists that don’t add much new to the franchise.
• Villain Development: While Jackie Shroff’s portrayal of the villain is effective in terms of menace, the lack of character depth makes him a less compelling adversary compared to the previous antagonists in the series. His motivations seem underdeveloped, and at times, he feels more like a plot device than a fully fleshed-out character.

Conclusion

Singham Again is a high-energy, action-packed film that will undoubtedly satisfy fans of the Singham franchise. The performances, particularly by Ajay Devgn and Ranveer Singh, stand out, bringing the film’s characters to life with their distinctive energy. Rohit Shetty’s direction ensures that the action is visually spectacular, even if some moments feel excessive.

While the film’s narrative sometimes falls into familiar tropes, and certain characters, like Lady Singham and the villain, could have been given more depth, Singham Again still delivers an engaging cinematic experience. It’s a film that celebrates the heroic spirit and the power of justice, and it serves as a fitting continuation of the Singham saga.

For fans of the franchise and action cinema in general, Singham Again is a must-watch. However, those looking for a more nuanced story or more grounded action may find the film’s over-the-top sequences a bit too much at times.

Rating: 3.5/5

Singham Again is an entertaining ride that delivers on the action and spectacle, but its lack of a more cohesive narrative and depth in certain character arcs holds it back from being truly great. If you’re a fan of the Singham series, this one is certainly worth a watch, but be prepared for a film that prioritizes style over substance at times.