What this film needed was personality and character; what it’s left with is sameness. But that’s probably enough for Salman Khan fans.

A sequel to this sequel may be too tempting to pass up for Chulbul and gang. I just hope they don’t kill it with same old-ness. “pyaar se nahin, thappad se bhi nahin, boredom se darr lagta hai.”

It’s evident these movies aren’t about anything but the person starring in them, and all that matters are punches and punchlines, both sadly unmemorable.

My review of Dabangg ended with a plea for a better story for Chulbul. Like so much else in Dabangg 2, that too remains the same. Can someone please write a terrific plot for this terrific character?

Dabangg 2 is every inch of the way the critic-proof film that it is meant to be. No matter how many holes you might spot in its uncomplicated, wafer-thin narrative edifice, Bollywood’s most bankable megastar’s onscreen deeds, at a bit of a stretch, would serve to paper over all of them.

While the film lacks in being a comprehensive package, it goes all the way in becoming yet another celebration of ‘brand Salman’. Every other character and element of the film just helps him entertain you for two and a half hours. If you’re looking for meaningful cinema, it is better you give this one a miss.

Dabangg 2 is like the poorer clone of its precursor, but it’s enjoyable with the action, Kung Fu Pandey, dollops of romance, songs and the rib-tickling comedy.