Much worse than the 2011 prequel (Singham)

Wow. How can Ajay Devgn get things so wrong with a formula that was already working? The original Singham film, from 2011, was successful at the box office but that didn't make it special, since many mediocre films in India find commercial success. What made Singham special was that it was a genuinely watchable film on some levels despite being a mass entertainer. In my opinion, the following factors (among others) made the original Singham film very good:

1) Ajay-Atul's music. Singham only had three tracks and each was very good. The title track was especially a stand-out

2) Kajal Aggarwal. Her beauty, charm, elegance and the-girl-next-door-like approachable quality made it easy to fall in love with her as you got to know her character better. The film's romantic story track, which might otherwise have been forgettable, was definitely elevated by many miles because of her presence

Guess what? Singham Returns doesn't have either of the above factors! Both the music composers and the lead actress were replaced by sub-par choices. You just have to listen to the title song of Singham Returns to know what I mean. Unlike the first film's title song, this song reminded me of beggars belting out tunes at India's railway stations.

And Kareena Kapoor was the replacement for Kajal Aggarwal? Why? Seriously, why? If Ajay Devgn had convinced his wife and once-upon-a-time reigning queen of Indian cinema, Kajol, to act opposite him in Singham Returns, then maybe he could have gotten a pass for not having Kajal Aggarwal in this film. That itself is a pretty big 'maybe'. But Kareena Kapoor? She lacks the attractiveness, charm and presence of Kajal Aggarwal. The romantic story track became totally hackneyed and forgettable once again, as they often are in mass action films.

In fact the entire film became forgettable. The first Singham film was interspersed with Ajay-Atul's stand-out compositions and Kajal Aggarwal's ability to make you fall in love her with every scene. Singham Returns, on the other hand, makes you want to fast-forward through the songs and Kareena scenes so you can get back to the boring action scenes.