Cast: Salman Khan, Sonakshi Sinha, Saiee Manjrekar, Sudeep
Directors: Prabhu Deva
Producer: Salman Khan, Arbaaz Khan, Nikhil Dwivedi
With the story credit going to actor Salman Khan himself, there’s a mix of a prequel with a sequel. And every attempt has been made to explain how a good-for-nothing turned into Chulbul Pandey, the larger-than-life, dabangg policeman. By introducing a new love in his life in the prequel, little details like why Chulbul Pandey wears his trademark glasses on the back collar get an explanation.
And so, the prequel which ends in a tragedy gives birth to a new Chulbul Pandey. But what segues into the sequel is menacing Bali who wrecked everybody’s happiness in the prequel. When the villain surfaces in the sequel, it’s revenge time and this time Bali must be finished forever.
With Salman and director Prabhudeva teaming up over the screenplay along with dialogue writers, the Dabangg formula of action and comedy, held together by family emotions, continues which is what makes the third edition entertaining fare for his loyalists.
Where it fails is in its length which needs trimming by at least 15 minutes including an unnecessary number picturised on Salman and newcomer Saiee Manjrekar. The music by Sajid-Wajid too isn’t overly exciting. And Warina Hussain coming in the place of Malaika Arora and Kareena Kapoor for the Munna badnaam hua number doesn’t sizzler at all.
Some of the toilet humour also falls flat and peppier, fresher dialogues would have been welcome.
What works are the picturisations with Salman Khan in particular doing some really high-energy moves. Of course, he also brings to the table his swagger and his last scene shirtless charisma. In this he’s matched well by trim and fit villain Sudeep from Kannada films who plays Bali.
Sonakshi Sinha’s confidence as an actor has grown since the first Dabangg which came nine years ago. She has loosened up and dances with the gay abandon of an actor who’s enjoying it all enormously. Saiee as first love Khushi, is charming without oozing glamour.
Verdict: So, will Dabangg 3 fare well? Sure, it will. But will it be outstanding? I have my doubts.