The recently released trailer for Singham Again has stirred mixed reactions, with some viewers expressing disappointment, particularly with Deepika Padukone’s performance. After facing harsh criticism online, where many labelled her portrayal as “cringe,” the question arises—should director Rohit Shetty reconsider his plans for a solo cop film starring Deepika as SP Shakti Shetty?
The Rise of the Cop Universe and Deepika’s Entry
The Singham franchise has been a fan-favourite since the release of Singham (2011), where Ajay Devgn’s powerful portrayal of Bajirao Singham captured the audience’s attention. This success was followed by Singham Returns (2014), further solidifying Devgn’s role as an iconic cop character. Director Rohit Shetty expanded his cop universe by introducing Ranveer Singh as Simmba in 2018 and Akshay Kumar as Sooryavanshi in 2021, both well-received by fans and critics alike.
When it was revealed that all three characters—Singham, Simmba, and Sooryavanshi—would come together in Singham Again, excitement naturally followed. However, the biggest news that generated considerable buzz was the introduction of Deepika Padukone as the franchise’s first female cop, SP Shakti Shetty.
Fans were eager to see Deepika in this new avatar, but the initial reactions after the trailer’s release tell a different story.
Fans React: Is Deepika Padukone “Cringe” in the Role?
Once the trailer for Singham Again dropped, social media lit up with criticism. Many fans found Deepika’s portrayal underwhelming, with some even going so far as to call her performance “cringe.” A large portion of the backlash centered around her dialogue delivery and accent, with many feeling that she was miscast as a tough cop.
One Reddit thread discussing her performance had numerous fans voicing concerns about her fit in the franchise. A particularly harsh comment read: “After seeing the trailer, and given how bad her dialogue delivery is even after 18 years in the industry, I don’t see Deepika getting her own movie. The role requires swag and strong dialogue delivery, neither of which she has.”
Should Rohit Shetty Rethink Deepika’s Solo Cop Film?
Rohit Shetty, known for his blockbuster action films, had previously hinted at giving Deepika Padukone her female-led cop film. However, fans now question if that’s still a good idea after such a lukewarm reception. Many on social media seem to think it’s not, and some have even advised Shetty to abandon the project altogether.
One social media user posted: “I can’t even bear to see her in a side role in Singham 3, let alone a full film with her in the lead.” Another added: “It’s risky for Deepika to take on this role. After films like Gehraiyaan and Chhapaak failed to make a significant box office impact, another flop could harm her credibility as one of Bollywood’s top female stars.”
Deepika’s Accent Draws Criticism
Another recurring point of criticism is Deepika’s accent in the film, which some viewers found distracting and out of place for the character. One fan sarcastically remarked: “I might tolerate Tiger Shroff’s action scenes, but sitting through 2.5 hours of Deepika’s horrible accent is a hard pass.”
However, it’s important to note that these are early reactions based solely on the trailer. There’s still a possibility that Deepika might surprise audiences with her full performance when the film is released.
Can Deepika Turn the Tide with Her Full Performance?
While the initial reactions may be discouraging, Deepika Padukone is no stranger to overcoming criticism. She has, after all, delivered standout performances in films like Piku and Padmaavat, proving her versatility and skill as an actress.
There’s still a good chance she could win audiences over when Singham Again hits theaters this Diwali. SP Shakti Shetty’s complete portrayal may offer a more nuanced perspective on her character, one that isn’t fully captured in a short trailer. The test will be how she delivers in a high-stakes, action-packed environment alongside industry giants like Ajay Devgn and Akshay Kumar.
Conclusion: The Future of Deepika’s Cop Film Hangs in the Balance
Ultimately, the fate of Deepika Padukone’s solo cop film may depend heavily on how her role is received in Singham Again. While the early feedback hasn’t been favourable, Rohit Shetty is known for delivering box-office hits, and the final film may change public opinion.
For now, fans remain divided—some are skeptical of her ability to carry a full-fledged action film, while others are hopeful that the full performance will paint a different picture. Either way, all eyes are on Singham again this Diwali to see if Deepika can rise above the criticism and deliver a memorable performance as Lady Singham.
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