`Singham Returns` review: All eyes on action hero Ajay Devgn

Ritika Handoo

The new `angry young man` of Indian cinema has arrived and how—meet Ajay Devgn, aka DCP Bajirao Singham. What better day than Independence Day to release a film which presents the sentiment of national fervour with tongue-and-cheek humour on the corrupt political system of the country.Here`s a quick recap for the uninitiated. `Singham Returns` is a sequel to the 2011 hit Ajay Devgn-Rohit Shetty film, `Singham`. Like in the first part, director Rohti Shetty has continued to depict the plight and problems faced by police officers who carry out their duties with much honesty and pride. Ajay Devgn as DCP Bajirao Singham makes his entry with a thundering applause from the audience as he tries to leave an impact on a group of young biker boys, who trick and trouble an old police officer on duty by playfully taking away his duty cap. The Singham slaps, jumps, shouts but does not register a complaint against these young goons. Wait! Before you start thinking, `Why the hell doesn`t he do that? Pat comes the reply from the actor in an impressive dialogue, `Humey crime khatam karna hain, criminals nahi banane`. Farhad-Sajid have indeed given some power-packed dialogues to the actor. Yes, that`s right. To protect them, he refrains from it, but does give them heavy `slapping dose`, so that they know it`s time to change for the better. This message runs strongly through out the film. The filmmaker has tried to keep the plot quite simple, without really complicating the basic narrative style. The honest and brave police officer , Bajirao wilfully boasts of a team which is as courageous, as he himself is. However, the twist in the tale is when a head constable `Mahender` from his team is found dead with a whopping Rs 10 crore, in an ambulance. From here, the drama really picks up pace. There are several `wow` moments in the film, in terms of breath-taking high octane action sequences. The cinematography has been brilliantly projected by Dudley, the man who did the job well in the prequel as well. Actress Kareena Kapoor Khan as Avni, is seen as a breath of fresh air in the film. She has been given some really funny sequences in the movie, and her colourful skirts and shirts just make you want them right away. Interestingly, not many know that Kareena`s personal hair stylist, Pompy too played a role in the movie. If director Rohit Shetty had Prakash Raj in the first part of brand `Singham`—this time there is Amol Gupte (Swamiji). He would make you watch him without blinking an eye-lid. The class actor-director has pushed himself beyond his comfort zone, and that has come out as an unforgettable performance. Actor Zakir Hussaas as Prakash Rao, a `respectable politician` (pun intended) plays hand-in-glove with this dangerous Godman, to carry out their plans of winning an election and get the `kursi`, as they say, `by hook or crook`. The background score by Amar Mohile is heart-thumping. The `Shiva Tandav Stotram` has been beautifully put in the movie, while Singham Ajay kicks off the evil souls to a deadly end. Music has been composed by Jeet Gannguli, Ankit Tiwari, Meet Bros Anjjan and Yo Yo Honey Singh. It is not a regular `naach-gaana` film, so `Singham` fans know what they are in for. The powerful `Singham` mantra reverberates whenever DCP Devgn decided to punch a pack - with the famous “Ata Majhi Satakli`, there comes a thundering `thapad`. The audience went bonkers with `Singham slaps`, therefore action directors Jai Singh Nijjar and Suniel Rodrigues, along with Rohit Shetty need a pat (not a slap) on their backs too. Another one who made his presence felt is actor Daya Shetty of CID fame. His huge body-type does give him an added advantage of looking like a police officer. The onlookers got their `CID` moment, when Singham Ajay shouted `Daya Darwaaza Todo`—a déjà vu perhaps. Overall, `Singham Returns` is a depiction of power-play and dirty politics which meddles in the way of dutiful Mumbai Police, but only to be met with an end like that of Swamiji and Prakash Rao. Actor Ajay Devgn shines as a tough cop and we do like his way of `encountering` the culprits. For `Singham` fans, here is a bonus for you and a good way to celebrate independence day. Thumbs up for this film—else `Ata Majhi Satakli`!