Ajay Devgan and Rohit Shetty’s much-awaited action film Singham Again is set to hit theatres on November 1, marking a grand Diwali release. As the third installment of Shetty’s popular Singham franchise, expectations are sky-high, especially with a star-studded lineup that includes Ajay Devgan, Ranveer Singh, Deepika Padukone, and a cameo by Salman Khan. However, the Censor Board has made significant edits to the film before approving it for release. Here’s what audiences can expect to see, and not see, in Singham Again.
Why the Edits? Key Changes Made by the Censor Board
The Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) granted Singham Again a U/A certificate but made several changes to ensure the film adheres to content guidelines. A total of 7 minutes and 12 seconds of footage was removed or altered, including scenes depicting characters based on Hindu mythology, sensitive dialogues, and more.
1. Scenes Involving Lord Ram, Sita, and Hanuman Altered
In one of the original scenes, Ajay Devgan’s character (Singham) and others were depicted as Lord Ram, Sita, and Hanuman. The Censor Board requested the makers remove this 23-second ‘match cut’ scene in two instances, as it portrayed these characters in a non-traditional manner. Additionally, another 16-second scene where Ravana ‘holds, pulls, and pushes’ Sita was asked to be deleted.
2. Removal of Scene with Simbha and Hanuman Visuals
A sequence in the film showed Hanuman engulfed in flames while Ranveer Singh’s character, Simba, engaged in flirtatious behavior. This scene was cut as it did not align with CBFC guidelines.
3. Sensitive Dialogues Modified
The character Zubair, portrayed as a villain in Singham Again, had certain dialogues modified or cut entirely. In particular, a line where he calls himself “the Ravana of your story” was changed. Additionally, other dialogue with potential diplomatic implications was removed, as the Board felt it could affect India’s relations with neighboring countries.
4. Edits to Kareena Kapoor Khan’s Character, Avni
Kareena Kapoor Khan, who plays Avni in the film, also had a few of her scenes altered. Though details on specific changes are not disclosed, these edits are likely related to the religious sensitivities addressed in the broader modifications made to the film.
5. Violent Scene in Police Station Removed
A graphic beheading scene set in a police station was entirely removed by the CBFC. The Board also replaced a religious flag visible in the background of the police station scene and muted the Shiv Stotra playing in the background, keeping in line with regulations.
New Disclaimer Added for Clarity on Fictional Elements
The Censor Board has directed the filmmakers to add a disclaimer at the beginning of the film. The disclaimer clarifies that Singham Again is a work of fiction and, while inspired by the story of Lord Ram, it does not depict its characters as worshipable deities. The film is set in a contemporary context, reflecting modern society, customs, and people, thereby distinguishing its characters from religious figures.
Star-Studded Cast and Cameos
Singham Again boasts a powerful cast with Ajay Devgan reprising his role as the fearless cop Bajirao Singham. Joining him are Bollywood heavyweights Ranveer Singh, Akshay Kumar, Tiger Shroff, Jackie Shroff, Arjun Kapoor, and Deepika Padukone. Salman Khan will also make a cameo as Chulbul Pandey, adding further excitement for fans.
This highly anticipated release will also face competition at the box office as it clashes with Kartik Aaryan’s Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3, which hits theatres on the same day. With its mix of action, patriotism, and a star-studded cast, Singham Again is all set to provide the Diwali audience with an action-packed cinematic experience, albeit with a few changes.
