Singham Again Review – A High-Octane Action Spectacle with Mixed Results

Singham Again Review

The latest installment in Rohit Shetty’s cop universe has roared into theaters, bringing together an ensemble cast in an ambitious blend of mythology and modern action. Let’s dive deep into what makes Singham Again tick, and where it falls short.

Plot Overview

Bajirao Singham (Ajay Devgn) returns in a story that draws heavy inspiration from the Ramayana. When his wife Avni (Kareena Kapoor) is kidnapped by the menacing terrorist Danger Lanka (Arjun Kapoor), Singham must embark on a rescue mission to Sri Lanka. The narrative weaves in modern elements while parallel to the epic Ramayana, with various characters representing mythological figures from the ancient text.

Cast Performance

Ajay Devgn as Singham
The veteran actor brings his trademark intensity to the role, though this time with a more subdued approach. While he maintains the commanding presence expected of Singham, the character feels somewhat diluted compared to previous installments. His brooding performance works well in serious scenes, but we see only occasional flashes of the original Singham’s charisma.

Ranveer Singh as Simmba
Surprisingly, Ranveer Singh emerges as one of the film’s highlights. His energetic performance provides much-needed comic relief and entertainment value, particularly in the second half. The actor’s natural flair for comedy and action blends perfectly with the film’s tone.

Arjun Kapoor as Danger Lanka
Arjun Kapoor’s portrayal of the antagonist receives mixed reactions. While his physical appearance fits the part, his delivery sometimes falls flat. The character lacks the menacing presence required for a convincing villain, despite the elaborate setup and backstory.

Supporting Cast

  • Deepika Padukone’s performance as Lady Singham receives criticism for being cringeworthy in parts
  • Tiger Shroff impresses with action sequences but has limited dialogue impact
  • Akshay Kumar makes a notable appearance as Sooryavanshi
  • Kareena Kapoor Khan delivers a grounded performance in her limited screen time

Technical Aspects

Direction and Cinematography
Rohit Shetty’s direction shines in the action sequences, particularly in the film’s second half. The decision to shoot in real Kashmir locations adds authenticity and grandeur to the visuals, avoiding over-reliance on VFX. The film’s visual treatment is consistently impressive, especially during the large-scale action set pieces.

Action Sequences
The action choreography serves as one of the film’s strongest elements. High-octane sequences keep viewers engaged, though some might find the individual hero moments in the climax lacking cohesive teamwork. The stunts are impressively executed, maintaining the franchise’s reputation for spectacular action.

Narrative Structure

First Half vs Second Half
The film shows a distinct quality difference between its two halves. The first half struggles with pacing issues and feels somewhat chaotic, while the second half delivers significantly better entertainment value. This unusual structure makes for an interesting viewing experience, where audience engagement actually increases post-interval.

Ramayana Integration
The attempt to parallel the Ramayana faces mixed success. While some mythological references work well, others feel forced and disrupt the narrative flow. The modern interpretation of the epic sometimes creates disconnected scenes that affect the overall pacing.

Strengths

  1. Impressive action choreography and stunts
  2. Strong second half entertainment value
  3. Ranveer Singh’s entertaining performance
  4. Beautiful location shooting in Kashmir
  5. Effective use of ensemble cast in later portions

Weaknesses

  1. Inconsistent first half
  2. Forced mythological parallels
  3. Some underwhelming performances
  4. Lack of memorable music
  5. Occasional poor VFX, especially in Akshay Kumar’s sequences

Box Office Performance

The film has received generally positive reviews from critics, with ratings averaging around 3.5/5 from major publications. The commercial response suggests that while it may not be the franchise’s strongest entry, it maintains enough entertainment value to satisfy fans of mass-market action cinema.

Final Verdict

Singham Again represents a mixed bag of entertainment. While it delivers on the action front and provides enough masala elements to satisfy genre fans, it struggles with narrative coherence and some performance issues. The film works best when viewed as pure entertainment, leaving critical analysis aside.

For fans of the franchise and masala action films, it offers enough spectacle and star power to justify a theater visit. However, those seeking the depth of films like Drishyam or Raid might find it lacking. The movie earns its place in the cop universe, though perhaps not at the top of the hierarchy.

Rating: 3 out of 5 stars

The film succeeds as a commercial entertainer but falls short of being a memorable addition to the franchise. Its strength lies in its action sequences and ensemble cast moments rather than its storytelling or character development.

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