Dabangg 3

'Dabangg 3' shows Salman in his element – throwing deadly blows at the villains amidst all the smoke, dust and fire, while you can hear chants of Hudd Hudd Dabangg in the background. And those certainly will be paisa-vasool moments for Salman Khan's fans.

The challenge to a popular movie franchise like Dabangg is that it requires novelty and sameness in equal parts and the team does get its balance right.

Some films are experiences, and therefore, shouldn't be restricted with star ratings, or discussions about the film's merit. A Salman Khan film, in this context, is a rollercoaster ride. You buy a ticket, stand in line, take your seat, buckle yourself up, and pray to the almighty that you don't puke on thy neighbour.

For most of Salman Khan fans, his film is a euphoria. It's about a god-like fandom which defies the logic and deductions enumerated in the four-column reviews of the critics. The third installment of Dabangg series begets the question: Can you sustain and gain from the tactic for far too long? Irrespective of what any critic would tell you, there can hardly be a doubt that there is nothing that can stop a Salman Khan film at the box office. However, wise people say, never say never!

Somewhere in the middle of Dabangg 3, Rajjo tells Chulbul that she will never again force him to take a '70s-'80s style kasam (oath). Never mind the context. I do wish Bollywood would take a kasam here and now to lay Chulbul Pandey a.k.a. Robinhood Pandey to rest.

Dabangg 3 is the kind of indulgent rubbish that dispels the fundamentals of film-making to highlight its hero's virtue and vigour at any cost...

Bite this bullet only if you are fanatical about Khan and he can do no wrong in your eyes. For those who don't wear those starry blinkers, sit this one out.

Salman Khan, Sonakshi Sinha and Saiee Manjrekar bring another instalment to the already over-crowded franchise. There's frantic action scenes to give you headaches and nasty jokes to make you nauseous. Keep drugs handy.

'Dabangg 3' is Hindi action cinema at its daftest...

Dabangg 3 isn't funny or even campy enough to be anything more than an aging hero's throw of dice, hoping that third time will be as lucky as the first two.

Almost ten years down the line, the Chulbul Pandey franchise is feeling weak and worn out.