Ajay Devgn's much-anticipated film, Singham Again, released during Diwali 2024, has not generated the excitement expected from one of Bollywood's top franchises. Despite being part of Rohit Shetty's expansive Cop Universe, the film has faced substantial criticism and underperformed at the box office, creating waves of disappointment among fans.
After its release, Singham Again was reported to have earned around 248 crore within India and approximately 375 crore globally against its production budget of approximately 375 crore. These figures stand starkly lower than its predecessors, causing concern among the filmmakers and avid audiences alike.
Ajay Devgn, who reprises his iconic role as the fierce cop Bajirao Singham, has acknowledged the criticism surrounding the film. During his recent appearance at the Zee Real Heroes Awards 2025, he addressed the feedback about his character lacking the ruggedness and intensity viewers loved from earlier installments. He expressed, "I think yeh reaction mujhe kaafi logon se aaya. Toh aage dhyaan rakhenge ki woh jo Singham ka feel tha – ghus ghus ke maarne ka – woh aage zaroor rahega (I think I received this feedback from many people. So, going forward, we will make sure the essence of Singham — the intense, in-your-face action — will definitely be present)."
The audience's complaints primarily centered on the expansive ensemble cast overshadowing Devgn's character. With names like Kareena Kapoor Khan, Ranveer Singh, Deepika Padukone, Tiger Shroff, Akshay Kumar, and even Salman Khan making cameo appearances, some viewers felt the essence of Bajirao Singham was lost among such star power. This dilution of focus seemingly affected the movie's pace and action element, with many fans feeling the absence of the raw, visceral energy synonymous with the character.
Competing against the horror-comedy Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3, which grossed approximately 390 crore at the box office, the expectations for Singham Again added more pressure to Devgn and Shetty's project. The lead actor's reputation as one of India's top action stars fueled hopes for another success; instead, audiences expressed disappointment, noting the film's narrative failed to engage them effectively.
Rohit Shetty, who has successfully directed earlier films within this series, also defended the movie, noting the inspiration from epic narratives like the Ramayana and how it played a pivotal role. Still, he has been clear about wanting the films to stand apart and have their unique identities. The direct clash with Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 came as no small hurdle, with both films capitalizing on the holidays for maximum box office impact. Despite managing to attract significant audiences, it appears to have fallen short of its goals.
With the criticisms now laid bare, it seems the future of the Singham franchise might hinge on the responses gathered from this installment. Ajay Devgn indicated plans to embrace and restore the classic traits of Bajirao Singham. Fans eagerly await direction from the filmmakers for future projects, hoping to witness the dynamic character return to form.
Looking forward, Devgn has exciting sequels lined up, including Raid 2, De De Pyaar De 2, and Son of Sardaar 2. Each one promises to showcase his range as both actor and central figure, along with his creative contributions to these films. While the debut of Singham Again may haunt them, the efforts to revive the beloved franchise might present him with the opportunity to reconcile with long-time supporters.
The reception of Singham Again serves as both warning and opportunity for the cast and crew involved. With Ajay Devgn leading the commitment to rekindle Singham's aggressive nature, the stakes are set high for the future of the iconic series. Audiences, having voiced their concerns, now hope for an invigorated franchise experience.