Simmba (2018)

Simmba is the kind of full-throttle Bollywood masala entertainer that knows exactly how to whip up a crowd-pleasing cocktail of swagger, laughs, and righteous fire, all powered by Ranveer Singh’s electric, larger-than-life energy. Rohit Shetty stages the action with his signature pop-and-boom flair, but the movie also sneaks in a dramatic backbone that gives the spectacle some weight without turning preachy. The vibe is loud, colorful, and unapologetically “paisa vasool,” the sort of film you watch to feel the theater pulse with cheers. If you prefer subtle realism, this may be too maximalist for your taste—but if you want an enjoyable, high-voltage ride that delivers on mass entertainment, Simmba shows up and delivers.

Simmba is aiming to be a loud, crowd-pleasing masala ride: swaggering cop comedy that pivots into a “bad man becomes good” redemption arc, with big action beats and punchlines. The problem is it often feels like a recycled template rather than a story with real momentum, and the performances lean so broad that what’s meant to be punchy can come off as overacting. More importantly, when it tackles serious subject matter, the tone can feel insensitive and opportunistic, which may leave you uncomfortable rather than moved. If you want subtlety, originality, or a respectful handling of heavy themes, this probably isn’t for you—but if you’re just after loud energy, star power, and whistle-worthy moments, you’ll find some surface-level fun.