Movie review: Singham Returns lacks punch
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Black money, racketeering, a flawed electoral process, the participation of youth in politics, the plight of policemen and their families – which were prominent issues during the recently held elections – are highlighted in this latest sequel by director Rohit Shetty.
Singham Returns has almost all the ingredients of a Shetty classic - the keyword being almost. Somehow 'pure entertainment' got left off the list.
The plot
Bajirao Singham (Ajay Devgan) is now a DSP in Mumbai, and performing his duty in typical superhero fashion. The story kicks off when the body of one of his constables is found in an ambulance with stacks of cash. The dead constable is accused of corruption by the media. Singham is not convinced, and starts investigating.
We are introduced to a caricature of Anna Hazare in the shape of Guruji (Anupam Kher), who was once a teacher of Singham and the state’s Chief Minister (Mahesh Manjrekar). Naturally, Guruji is also killed by the corrupt nexus of a politician (Zakir Hussain) and a Swamiji (Amol Gupte).
The rest of the film is predictable, and at points, unbearable, given the truly bizarre background scores featured in the action sequences.
Direction and acting
Shetty, who is now an established director, is known for his signature brand of paisa wasool action packed, slapstick comedies and most of his last few films were blockbusters, including Chennai Express and Singham.
His brand of comedy, over the top action sequences, and larger than life heroes are loved by audiences, though he is not very popular among critics. Shetty is fine with that as has repeatedly said he makes the movies for the general public's ‘pure entertainment’. Singham Return's seems to be an attempted departure from this however, given its focus on societal ills.
The story, written by Sajid-Farhad and Shetty is quite well knit, and importantly, without many loopholes. Cinematography by Dudley is also nice and has captured some of the newly laid infrastructure of Maharashtra in a truly picturesque way.
Music by Jeet Gannguli, Ankit Tiwari and Meet Bross Anjjan is average. In fact, after leaving the cinema, the ludicrously loud background music may be the sum take away.
Ajay Devgan’s portrayal is consistent with the original Singham. Mahesh Manjrekar and Anupam Kher have done decent jobs, but you are left wishing their roles had been expanded further.
Daya, (Daya Shetty of CID fame) is Singham’s sidekick and does a decent job. But, it’s the character of Swamiji and his dialogues with our super cop, that are the highlight of the entire movie.
There is also Kareena Kapoor with her usual shrieks and screams. Sadly true to Bollywood form, her role is utterly superfluous - if it was deleted from the movie, you wouldn’t notice it was missing.
The final word
Ho-hum. Not one of Shetty's finer moments.
With a runtime of less than two and half hours, Singham Returns is directed by Rohit Shetty; Produced by Reliance Entertainment, Ajay Davgan and Rohit Shetty; Written by Sajid-Farhad.
Starring Ajay Devgan, Kareena Kapoor, Amol Gupte, Anupam Kher, Mahesh Manjrekar, Zakir Hussain and Dayanad Shetty.