SINGHAM (2011)

Summary:

Singham is a high-octane action drama that chronicles the journey of Bajirao Singham, an honest and fearless police officer in the small, unassuming town of Shivgadh, situated on the Goa-Maharashtra border. Known for his unorthodox yet effective methods of dispensing justice, Singham maintains peace and order through respect and fearlessness, often resorting to his own brand of law when official channels fail. His tranquil existence is shattered when he crosses paths with Jaykant Shikre, a powerful and corrupt politician-cum-gangster from Goa, whose vast criminal empire operates with impunity.

The film brilliantly portrays the clash between good and evil, as Singham is transferred to Goa by Jaykant's influence, only to find himself in a city riddled with corruption and fear. What begins as a personal vendetta against Jaykant escalates into a larger fight for justice, as Singham uncovers the depths of Jaykant's depravity and the suffering he inflicts upon the innocent. With unwavering determination, Singham rallies the disheartened police force and the fearful public, transforming from a simple police inspector into a symbol of hope and a formidable force against systemic corruption, ultimately leading to a gripping confrontation for the soul of the city.

Keywords: Singham, 2011, Ajay Devgn, Prakash Raj, Action, Drama, Crime, Rohit Shetty.

Plot:

The story opens in Shivgadh, a small, picturesque town nestled on the Goa-Maharashtra border, where Inspector Bajirao Singham serves as the local police chief. Singham is depicted as an upright, courageous, and deeply respected officer, who governs his jurisdiction not just with the rule of law, but with a strong moral compass and an unwavering commitment to justice. He is a man of the people, resolving disputes with a blend of stern authority and compassionate understanding, earning him the affectionate title of "Singham" (Lion) from the villagers. His methods, while sometimes unconventional, are always effective, ensuring peace and order in Shivgadh.

Singham's tranquil world is disrupted by the entry of Jaykant Shikre, a powerful and ruthless gangster and politician based in Goa, whose influence extends far and wide, corrupting politicians and police alike. Jaykant is a man who operates above the law, using his wealth and power to intimidate, extort, and silence anyone who dares to cross him. The initial spark of conflict ignites when Jaykant's henchman, caught in Shivgadh, is forced by Singham to sign a fake bail application. Humiliated, Jaykant sends his own goons to retrieve the application, but Singham, recognizing the blatant disregard for law, forces Jaykant himself to travel to Shivgadh and sign the application in person, publicly shaming him in front of the entire village. This act of defiance ignites a fierce rivalry between the two men, setting the stage for an epic confrontation.

Enraged by the public humiliation, Jaykant uses his considerable political clout to orchestrate Singham's transfer to Goa, intending to sideline him and render him powerless in a city he controls. Singham arrives in Goa, a city bustling with life but also shrouded in fear under Jaykant's shadow. He quickly discovers that the police force in Goa is largely demoralized and corrupt, with many officers either on Jaykant's payroll or too terrified to oppose him. DSP Satyam, Singham's immediate superior, is one such officer, initially appearing subservient to Jaykant, a stark contrast to Singham's resolute integrity. Amidst this new, challenging environment, Singham meets Kavya Bhosle, a cheerful and spirited young woman, and a romance blossoms, offering him a glimmer of personal happiness.

As Singham settles into his new posting, he begins to unravel the intricate web of Jaykant's criminal empire. Jaykant's activities range from illegal mining and land grabbing to extortion, kidnapping, and even murder, all carried out with the tacit approval or fearful silence of local authorities. Singham's initial attempts to enforce the law are met with resistance and ridicule from Jaykant's men, who believe him to be just another transferrable officer. However, Singham's unwavering commitment to justice and his fearless demeanor gradually start to make an impression on some of the disillusioned officers.

The turning point in Singham's fight against Jaykant comes with the tragic death of Sub-Inspector Rakesh Kadam. Rakesh, an honest and principled officer, had dared to stand up against Jaykant in a land dispute case. Jaykant retaliated by falsely implicating Rakesh in a corruption scandal, destroying his reputation and career. Unable to bear the shame and injustice, Rakesh commits suicide, leaving behind a devastated wife, Megha, and a young son. Singham is deeply affected by Rakesh's death, seeing it as a direct consequence of Jaykant's tyranny. This incident solidifies Singham's resolve: his fight is no longer just a personal vendetta; it is a crusade to dismantle Jaykant's empire and restore justice for the innocent victims.

Singham begins his meticulous investigation into Rakesh's death, facing immense pressure and obstacles from Jaykant's network. He gathers evidence, slowly winning over the trust of the local police force, including DSP Satyam, who, inspired by Singham's courage, begins to shed his fear and stand with him. Singham's actions become bolder, directly challenging Jaykant's authority in public. He starts disrupting Jaykant's illegal operations, leading to intense confrontations and thrilling action sequences where Singham showcases his formidable strength and tactical prowess.

Jaykant, infuriated by Singham's persistent defiance, escalates his attacks. He uses his political connections to have Singham suspended from duty, hoping to cripple his efforts. However, this move backfires spectacularly. Singham, now operating outside the official framework, gains even more public support. The people of Goa, tired of Jaykant's oppression, begin to rally behind Singham, viewing him as their only hope. Kavya, too, becomes a pillar of support, encouraging Singham and standing by him through thick and thin.

The climax builds towards a grand confrontation. Singham, with the support of his now-loyal police team and the awakened public, orchestrates a plan to expose Jaykant's crimes in front of the media and the political establishment. He systematically uncovers evidence of Jaykant's involvement in Rakesh Kadam's death and numerous other atrocities. The public outcry against Jaykant reaches a fever pitch, with people demanding his arrest and punishment. Stripped of his political protection and facing an enraged populace, Jaykant attempts to flee, but Singham relentlessly pursues him.

In a powerful and symbolic final showdown, Singham corners Jaykant. Instead of simply arresting him, Singham allows the collective anger and despair of the victims, represented by Rakesh Kadam's widow, to weigh down on Jaykant. Faced with public humiliation, the complete collapse of his power, and the realization that he can no longer escape justice, Jaykant Shikre is driven to commit suicide, falling from a great height to his death. His reign of terror ends, and justice is finally served, not just by the law, but by the will of the people and the unwavering spirit of one honest officer.

The film concludes with Singham being reinstated and hailed as a hero. The police force in Goa is reformed, inspired by Singham's example, and the city breathes a sigh of relief, freed from the clutches of corruption. Singham returns to Shivgadh, having left an indelible mark on Goa, a lion who roared against injustice and brought peace back to a troubled land.

Cast (Lead Roles):

• Ajay Devgn as Bajirao Singham
• Prakash Raj as Jaykant Shikre
• Kajal Aggarwal as Kavya Bhosle
• Sonali Kulkarni as Megha Kadam
• Sachin Khedekar as Gautam Bhosle
• Anant Jog as DSP Satyam
• Murli Sharma as Inspector Dev Phadnis

Crew:

• Director: Rohit Shetty
• Producer: Reliance Entertainment
• Story: Hari (original Tamil film "Singam")
• Screenplay: Yunus Sajawal
• Dialogue: Farhad-Sajid
• Music Director: Ajay-Atul
• Cinematography: Dudley
• Editor: Steven H. Bernard
• Action Director: Jai Singh Nijjar

Release Info:

• Original Release Date: July 22, 2011
• Language: Hindi
• Genre: Action, Crime, Drama
• Running Time: 143 minutes
• Accolades:
  • Filmfare Award Nomination for Best Actor (Ajay Devgn)
  • Filmfare Award Nomination for Best Villain (Prakash Raj)
  • Filmfare Award Nomination for Best Music Director (Ajay-Atul)
  • Zee Cine Award for Best Actor – Male (Ajay Devgn)
  • Zee Cine Award for Best Villain (Prakash Raj)
  • Stardust Award for Best Film – Action/Thriller