Singham Again (2024): Ramayana References to Riveting Action Brings Power, Humor, and Missed Potential
Rating 3.5/5
Singham Again introduces a unique twist by weaving elements of the Ramayana into its storyline, adding a mythological layer to the classic cop drama. This time, Bajirao Singham’s mission mirrors the epic journey of Lord Rama as he battles to rescue his wife, Avni, from the clutches of an antagonist named Danger Lanka, played by Arjun Kapoor. The character names, plot progression, and Singham’s determination to overcome insurmountable odds reflect key aspects of the Ramayana, adding symbolic weight to his battle against evil.
This parallel storyline adds depth to Singham’s character, transforming him from a law enforcer into a mythic hero driven by justice and personal sacrifice. The film reimagines elements from the epic, placing Singham in a role similar to that of Lord Rama, while Danger Lanka embodies the qualities of a Ravana-like villain. By incorporating this legendary narrative, Singham Again infuses its plot with a grand, timeless quality, appealing to audiences familiar with the Ramayana’s moral and cultural significance.
Though the Ramayana references enhance the storyline’s symbolic dimension, they may not resonate equally with all viewers, especially those looking for a straightforward action film. Yet, for fans who appreciate the added layer of cultural and mythological references, this adaptation of Singham’s journey provides a refreshing perspective within the cop-drama genre.
In Singham Again, the performances stand out, especially with Ajay Devgn reprising his role as Bajirao Singham with his trademark intensity. Devgn embodies the character's resilience and dedication, bringing a fierce determination that elevates Singham’s larger-than-life persona. His portrayal captures both the mythic and grounded elements of the character, blending a sense of righteousness with relatable human emotion. Devgn’s commanding screen presence continues to define the franchise, making him an unforgettable force in the film.
Kareena Kapoor Khan brings strength and nuance to her role as Avni, providing an emotional anchor in the story. Her chemistry with Devgn adds depth to their scenes, enhancing the storyline’s Ramayana-inspired aspects. Kapoor Khan’s role, though somewhat limited in screen time, allows her to portray resilience and depth, contributing to the emotional stakes of Singham’s mission.
Arjun Kapoor’s portrayal of Danger Lanka brings a fresh energy to the antagonist role. He infuses the character with a mix of menace and complexity, though at times his performance may feel a bit over-the-top. Still, Kapoor succeeds in creating a formidable opponent for Singham, adding an engaging dynamic to their confrontations.
The ensemble cast, featuring Ranveer Singh as Simmba and Akshay Kumar as Sooryavanshi, enhances the film’s high-energy, interconnected narrative. Singh’s lively presence and comedic timing as Simmba offer some lighter moments amid the intense action, while Kumar’s stoic portrayal of Sooryavanshi brings additional weight to the trio’s scenes together. Their cameos are brief but impactful, creating a powerful synergy that fans of Shetty’s cop universe will enjoy.
Deepika Padukone’s role in Singham Again unfortunately doesn’t leave much of an impression, feeling underdeveloped compared to the other key characters. While her presence adds star power, the lack of depth and meaningful contribution to the storyline makes her character easily forgettable. This is a missed opportunity, as Padukone’s talent could have added another layer to the film’s dynamics. Instead, her role feels more like an afterthought, contributing little to the overall impact of the narrative.
Ranveer Singh’s role in Singham Again is a definite highlight, bringing a burst of energy and humor to the film. His portrayal of Simmba offers much-needed comic relief, balancing the intense action and mythic themes with his lively and irreverent approach. Singh’s charisma and timing make his scenes memorable, adding a unique charm that complements Ajay Devgn’s stoic Singham. His character’s wit and playful banter bring a refreshing dynamic, making his performance one of the more engaging aspects of the movie.
Together, the cast’s performances breathe life into Singham Again, with each actor playing their part to support the film’s mix of mythological themes and action-packed drama.
In terms of technical execution, Singham Again maintains the high-octane style Rohit Shetty is known for, delivering well-choreographed action sequences and visually dynamic scenes. The cinematography makes effective use of slow-motion shots, wide angles, and fast-paced edits, creating a sense of grandeur that aligns with the film’s mythic undertones. The action scenes are meticulously staged, with large-scale set pieces that bring an intense, almost theatrical flair. However, at times, the excessive use of slow-motion and explosive effects can feel repetitive, making certain sequences feel drawn out.
The film’s sound design and music also play a key role, enhancing the dramatic tension with a powerful score that punctuates high-stakes moments. The background music and intense sound effects work to amplify Singham’s heroism, though the score occasionally leans heavily on familiar motifs, which can feel formulaic. Visually, the set designs and costumes reflect the myth-inspired storyline, with special attention to detail in creating an atmosphere that aligns with the Ramayana references.
Singham Again delivers a solid dose of action, nostalgia, and mythic storytelling, appealing to fans of Shetty’s cop universe. Ajay Devgn and Ranveer Singh’s performances are the film’s highlights, bringing both intensity and levity. While the movie captures the spirit of the franchise, certain aspects, like a predictable plot and some underdeveloped characters, keep it from being truly groundbreaking. Ultimately, Singham Again is a crowd-pleaser, packed with energy and heroism, but it lacks the freshness that could make it a standout in the franchise.