In a nostalgic encounter with fans and movie enthusiasts, director Rohit Shetty and actor Ajay Devgn reminisce about the creation and enduring legacy of their blockbuster film ‘Singham.’ The duo recently attended a re-release screening of this iconic cop-drama, engaging in a lively discussion that delved into the making of the film, its unforgettable dialogue, and the gripping impact it had on audiences across India.
The film was originally released in 2011 and was a roaring success, being well-received for its intense action sequences and compelling storyline. However, one of the standout elements that captivated audiences was the now-iconic line ‘Aata Majhi Satakli.’ During their discussion, when asked about the origins of this famous line, Shetty and Devgn revealed that it was an impromptu addition to the script, never intended to become the cultural phenomenon it did.
Rohit Shetty explained, “Both the villain, Jaikant Shikre, and the hero, Bajirao Singham, are Marathi characters. The line ‘Aata Majhi Satakli’ was incorporated naturally into a scene to highlight Singham’s Maharashtrian roots. Interestingly, Ajay’s character only says it once throughout the film. The antagonist repeats it, and somehow, it grew into something much bigger than anticipated.”
Ajay Devgn, reflecting on his experience delivering the line, expressed his surprise at its eventual fame. “When filming, it was merely a line, one of many. You can’t predict which lines the audience will treasure. It’s remarkable that ‘Aata Majhi Satakli’ struck a chord and became such an integral part of popular culture.”
Another iconic element from ‘Singham’ that gained widespread attention was the powerful “Singham pose,” a stoic and commanding stance that became synonymous with the titular character. Shetty credited renowned choreographer Ganesh Acharya with contributing this memorable aspect, stating, “The pose wasn’t premeditated.
. We were amidst making a series of comedies like ‘Golmaal’ and ‘Bol Bachchan’ when we decided to venture into a full-fledged action film. Ganesh’s input helped mold this cinematic moment into what it is today.”
The enduring success of ‘Singham’ has spurred a franchise around it, and the anticipation for its latest addition, ‘Singham Again,’ is palpable. Both Shetty and Devgn expressed their excitement for this upcoming sequel, which is set to have a grand scale and an ambitious narrative inspired by the revered Hindu epic, Ramayana. Ajay Devgn reprises his role as Bajirao Singham, embarking on a daring mission to rescue his onscreen wife, Avni Kamat—portrayed by Kareena Kapoor Khan—from the villain’s clutches.
‘Singham Again,’ set to release during Diwali, promises to be a thrilling spectacle. The film features an ensemble cast brimming with Bollywood stars, including Ranveer Singh, Deepika Padukone, Tiger Shroff, Arjun Kapoor, and Jackie Shroff. This fifth installment in Shetty’s cop universe is expected to set a new benchmark for Indian cinema as it brings together mythological elements with high-octane action.
Rohit Shetty shared insights into the elaborate coordination involved in shooting the climax, which he shot with the experienced team from the reality show ‘Fear Factor: Khatron Ke Khiladi.’ He described the meticulous effort, pointing out, “The climax was a massive undertaking with a team of around a thousand people, including experts from South Africa and our crew from Bangkok. The synergy created an exceptional sequence that promises to be exhilarating for audiences, especially younger viewers.”
The directors and producers are optimistic about ‘Singham Again,’ especially considering the film draws on narratives from Ramayana, positioning it as a more commercially viable project following the mixed reception of previous adaptations like ‘Adipurush.’ The strategy evokes a familiar resonance with audiences, merging traditional narratives with modern cinematic techniques.
As the release of ‘Singham Again’ looms, both Rohit Shetty and Ajay Devgn remain at the forefront of Bollywood’s vibrant creative landscape, showcasing a synergy in storytelling that continues to engage and entertain cinema lovers across generations.
