Singham Again Review: Rohit Shetty’s Cop Universe Needs Fresh Firepower

Singham Again, the latest addition to Rohit Shetty’s Cop Universe, reprises the action and intensity fans expect from his productions. However, the film struggles with a bloated narrative that, instead of pushing boundaries, rehashes formulaic storytelling and action sequences. Shetty’s effort to intensify Singham’s roar with a heightened background score and dramatic flair is evident, yet these elements fall short of delivering the impactful punch of the franchise’s previous installments.

The Quest for Novelty Amidst Tried-and-Tested Formulas

The plot embarks on a mythical parallel by intertwining aspects of the Ramayana with contemporary justice themes. This myth-reality blend, intended to enrich the storyline, instead comes across as overly forced. The introduction of mythological elements serves as a framing device rather than an organic part of the plot, making the fusion feel artificial and leaving viewers wondering if the mythology truly complements the narrative or merely adds unnecessary bulk.

A Villain’s Vendetta: Predictable but Fierce

The storyline pits Ajay Devgn’s iconic DCP Bajirao Singham against a fierce adversary, Zubair Hafeez (Arjun Kapoor), whose sole purpose is revenge. While Kapoor’s villainous performance adds intensity to the narrative, the character lacks the depth and complexity that could elevate him beyond a stereotypical antagonist. His motivations revolve around avenging family honor, mirroring familiar revenge themes without bringing anything fresh or surprising to the table. His confrontation with Singham is intense but feels like a re-tread rather than a genuine challenge to Singham’s legacy.

Revisiting Old Tropes: Familiar Faces in Repetitive Roles

In Singham Again, Shetty ropes in his established characters like ACP Sangram Bhalerao (Ranveer Singh) and DCP Veer Sooryavanshi (Akshay Kumar) to support Singham. Each character embodies traits reflecting mythological figures: Bhalerao as Hanuman and Sooryavanshi as Garuda. This symbolic layering adds a mythic dimension but lacks innovation in character development. Even Deepika Padukone’s new entry as a strong female cop, though refreshing, is ultimately restricted by the male-dominated dynamic and does not allow her full potential to unfold.

Action and Execution: A Spectacle that Falters

Rohit Shetty’s signature action style is present throughout, with explosive car chases, massive fight sequences, and elaborate set pieces. Buildings, jeeps, and even entire blocks explode with fiery dramatics. While such action is a hallmark of Shetty’s work, the over-reliance on repetitive action sequences feels less exciting this time around. The scenes lack the spark that once energized the franchise, and even Devgn’s stunts feel routine rather than innovative.

The Background Score: More Noise Than Nuance

The high-energy background score, intended to amplify the intensity of each scene, ends up overwhelming rather than complementing the visuals. Rather than elevating the action, the relentless sound design becomes abrasive, creating a sense of monotony rather than excitement.

Humorous Interjections: Ranveer Singh’s Saving Grace

Ranveer Singh’s portrayal of ACP Bhalerao brings a breath of fresh air with his characteristic humor and energy. His witty, irreverent style injects much-needed levity into the story. The film’s comic elements, especially Singh’s dialogue delivery and physical comedy, provide a temporary reprieve from the otherwise heavy-handed narrative. His performance stands out as one of the film’s few highlights, demonstrating his command over comedic timing and character delivery.

Missed Opportunities: Padukone and Kareena Kapoor Khan’s Underutilized Roles

Deepika Padukone’s character, although promising, is relegated to a supporting role that limits her impact within the plot. Her dialogue often centers around admiration for Singham, reducing her to a mentor-student dynamic that never evolves into a fully realized character arc. Similarly, Kareena Kapoor Khan’s role as Singham’s wife, Avni, also feels restrained. Her character, a modernized Sita of sorts, is poised as a strong-willed individual but is ultimately sidelined, confined to a vulnerable position to serve as a plot device.

A Flawed Yet Entertaining Film

Singham Again offers intermittent entertainment and sporadic moments of excitement. However, the film’s reliance on outdated tropes and lack of true narrative depth results in a viewing experience that is enjoyable but far from memorable. Fans of Shetty’s universe may appreciate the familiar energy, but the film feels like a missed opportunity to innovate within the genre.

Verdict: A Franchise in Need of Reinvention

For the die-hard fans of Rohit Shetty’s Cop Universe, Singham Again delivers the expected high-octane thrills and familiar character dynamics. Yet, as the franchise matures, it increasingly requires a shift in approach. Without a reinvention of the character arcs, fresher conflicts, or a bold new direction, future installments may risk becoming parodies of themselves.