When Singham first hit screens in 2011, it redefined the masala action genre for a new generation, giving Indian cinema a modern lawman with old-school values. Rohit Shetty’s vision-equal parts bombast, patriotism, and stylized action-spawned a franchise and, eventually, an entire “Cop Universe.” Now, with Singham Again, Shetty pushes his formula to its absolute limits, assembling an Avengers-style lineup of super-cops and villains, and delivering a film that is as much a spectacle as it is a story.

Released on Diwali 2024, Singham Again is not just a sequel; it’s an event. With Ajay Devgn’s Bajirao Singham at the center, the film ropes in Akshay Kumar, Ranveer Singh, Deepika Padukone, Tiger Shroff, and more. The stakes are global, the action is relentless, and the message is thunderously clear: evil may multiply, but so will the heroes.

But does this third Singham outing deliver on its promise of high-octane thrills and emotional payoffs? Or does it get lost in its own ambition? Let’s break down the film’s highs and lows.

Plot: A Ramayana for the Modern Age

Singham Again opens with Bajirao Singham (Ajay Devgn), now an SSP, transferred from Mumbai to Srinagar. Married to Avni (Kareena Kapoor Khan) and father to Shaurya, Singham finds himself at the center of a cross-border drug and terror syndicate led by the nefarious Omar Hafeez (Jackie Shroff), who has fled Pakistan for Sri Lanka. Hafeez’s aim: to destabilize India through drugs and terror, and to exact revenge for the deaths of his sons at the hands of Singham, Simmba (Ranveer Singh), and Sooryavanshi (Akshay Kumar).

A new squad-Shiva Squad formed, with Singham, ACP Daya (Dayanand Shetty), and ACP Devika (Shweta Tiwari) at the helm. The investigation leads them from the Kashmir Valley to the coastal towns of Tamil Nadu, as they unravel a network smuggling narcotics from Sri Lanka to India.

The plot thickens when Avni is kidnapped by Danger Lanka (Arjun Kapoor), revealed to be Zubair Hafeez, Omar’s vengeful grandson. Alongside him is Mrigya (Deepika Padukone), who is actually Iqra Hafeez, Zubair’s aunt, and another agent of chaos. Their aim is not just to destroy Singham but to bring down the entire cop squad.

What follows is a relentless series of chases, betrayals, and showdowns, culminating in a Ramayana-inspired climax where each cop takes on a mythological avatar-Singham as Ram, Simmba as Hanuman, Sooryavanshi as Garuda, Shakti Shetty (Deepika Padukone) as Sugreeva, and Satya Bali (Tiger Shroff) as Lakshman. The villains, meanwhile, embody the forces of Ravana and his kin.

Performances: Star Power Unleashed

Ajay Devgn as Bajirao Singham

Devgn remains the heart of the franchise, bringing gravitas and intensity to Singham. He’s stoic, righteous, and larger-than-life, yet manages to ground the film’s most over-the-top moments with sheer conviction. His chemistry with Kareena Kapoor is understated but effective, and his scenes with the other cops are a treat for fans.

Akshay Kumar as Sooryavanshi and Ranveer Singh as Simmba

Both actors reprise their roles with gusto. Akshay’s Sooryavanshi is all business, providing a steely counterpoint to Ranveer’s more flamboyant Simmba, who brings much-needed comic relief. Ranveer’s antics are dialed up, but they work within the film’s heightened reality.

Deepika Padukone as Shakti Shetty/Lady Singham

Deepika’s entry as the first female cop in the universe is a highlight. She brings physicality and emotional depth to her role, though the script gives her fewer standout moments than she deserves.

Tiger Shroff as Satya Bali

Tiger’s action prowess is put to good use, especially in the film’s standout Ashram confrontation. He’s a welcome addition to the universe, even if his character is less fleshed out than the leads.

Arjun Kapoor as Danger Lanka/Zubair Hafeez

Arjun Kapoor surprises as the main antagonist. He brings a menacing presence and a layered performance, making Danger Lanka more than just a one-note villain. His scenes with Singham are among the film’s most intense.

Supporting Cast

Kareena Kapoor, Jackie Shroff, Shweta Tiwari, and Dayanand Shetty all have their moments, though the film’s sprawling cast means some get less screen time than they deserve. Cameos from other franchise favorites (and a much-discussed Salman Khan appearance) add to the fun.

Direction and Writing: Shetty’s Maximalist Vision

Rohit Shetty’s direction is unapologetically loud and proud. He knows his audience and delivers exactly what they want: slow-motion hero entries, gravity-defying stunts, and punchy dialogues. The screenplay, by a team of writers, is packed with twists, mythological parallels, and patriotic fervor.

However, the film’s ambition is both its strength and its weakness. The narrative juggles multiple threads-terrorism, drugs, family, revenge, mythology-and not all are given equal weight. The first act is solid, setting up stakes and characters, but the second act loses steam with too many subplots and a lack of emotional depth. The finale, while visually spectacular, sacrifices coherence for spectacle.

Action and Technical Brilliance

The action sequences are the film’s calling card. Car chases, hand-to-hand combat, and explosive set pieces are staged with flair. The Ashram battle, in particular, stands out for its choreography and intensity. However, some action scenes cross into the realm of cartoonish excess, losing the grounded feel that made the original Singham so effective.

Cinematography by Girish Kant and Raza Hussain Mehta captures both the scale and the grit of the story, while the editing by Bunty Nagi keeps the pace brisk, even if the film’s 144-minute runtime feels a tad long.

Music and Soundtrack: Missing the Iconic

Ravi Basrur and Thaman S deliver a serviceable score, but the absence of the original Singham theme (due to copyright issues) is keenly felt. The new soundtrack does its job but lacks the iconic punch that fans associate with Singham’s entry. The background score, however, complements the film’s action and drama.

Themes: Patriotism, Mythology, and Justice

Singham Again wears its themes on its sleeve. Patriotism is front and center, with rousing speeches and flag-waving aplenty. The Ramayana-inspired narrative gives the film a mythic dimension, with each cop embodying a legendary figure. The film also tackles contemporary issues-cross-border terrorism, drug trafficking, systemic corruption-but often in broad strokes.

At its best, the film is a celebration of justice and unity. At its weakest, it veers into jingoism and melodrama, with subtlety sacrificed for impact.

Pacing and Editing: A Mixed Bag

The film’s pacing is uneven. The first half is tight and engaging, while the second half meanders with too many characters and subplots. The climax, though packed with action, feels overlong and convoluted, diluting the emotional stakes.

Audience Experience: A Festival of Masala

Singham Again is unapologetically made for the masses. It’s a film to be enjoyed in a packed theater, with whistles and cheers accompanying every slow-motion walk and punchline. The star-studded cast, larger-than-life villains, and relentless action make it a quintessential Diwali entertainer.

For fans of the franchise and masala cinema, the film delivers plenty of bang for the buck. For those seeking nuance or innovation, it may feel like sensory overload.

Box Office and Cultural Impact

The film opened to massive numbers, collecting ₹173 crore in its opening week and nearing ₹250 crore worldwide by the end of its first week. Despite competition from other Diwali releases, Singham Again maintained strong momentum, reaffirming the enduring appeal of Shetty’s Cop Universe.

Critique: Strengths and Weaknesses

Strengths

• Ajay Devgn’s commanding performance as Singham anchors the film.

• Star-studded ensemble delivers crowd-pleasing moments.

• Action sequences are expertly choreographed and visually impressive.

• Mythological parallels add a fresh twist to the familiar formula.

• Patriotic fervor and mass appeal make it a festival favorite.

Weaknesses

• Overstuffed narrative with too many characters and subplots.

• Climax is excessive and convoluted, losing emotional impact.

• Villains lack depth, serving more as targets than true threats.

• Iconic music missing, dampening nostalgia.

• Some performances and cameos feel underutilized due to limited screen time.

Final Verdict: Entertaining, If Not Groundbreaking

Singham Again is a maximalist celebration of everything Rohit Shetty stands for-action, patriotism, myth, and star power. It’s a film that knows its audience and delivers exactly what they expect, for better or worse. The narrative may be bloated, and the climax may test your suspension of disbelief, but the film’s sheer energy and spectacle make it a worthy addition to the Cop Universe.

If you’re a fan of the franchise, you’ll find plenty to cheer for. If you’re new to the series or looking for subtlety, you may find yourself overwhelmed. Either way, Singham Again is a reminder that sometimes, cinema is about turning off your brain, grabbing some popcorn, and letting the lion roar.