Written and directed by renowned Bollywood filmmaker Anees Bazmee, the anarchic action comedy Singh Is Kinng is overflowing with intense set pieces and brilliant dance numbers that are lavishly high-concept and utterly transfixing.
The plot is suitably wild: Lucky Singh (Sonu Sood) is a notorious criminal who rules the Australian underworld with the aid of his deadly associates. Together, they form the Gang of Punjab. Meanwhile, in a remote Indian village of Punjab – Lucky's hometown, from which the gang takes its moniker – there is a man of even greater infamy. His name is Happy Singh (marvellously played by Bollywood star Akshay Kumar), and his entire community has become irritated with his disastrous, albeit well-intentioned antics. As a final act of desperation, the locals decide to send Happy on a journey to bring back the scandalous Lucky, whose unlawful behaviour abroad is spoiling the reputation of the village. Happy enthusiastically accepts his mission, and he and his friend Rangeela (Om Puri) set out for Australia.
A mix-up with their boarding passes sends the two villagers to Egypt, where the eternally optimistic Happy encounters the stunningly gorgeous Sonia (Katrina Kaif), and it is not long before he falls for her. Finally arriving in Australia, Happy finds friendship and a hot meal from a matronly woman (Kirron Kher). She helps him and Rangeela to locate Lucky, who is offended by their intent to take him back to Punjab. Soon after, an attempt on Lucky's life is foiled by Happy, who, in addition to carrying him to safety, also manages to knock his head against every object in their path. As a result, he suffers a paralytic stroke, and his crew – mistaking Lucky's indecipherable contempt as gratitude – elect Happy as the new Kinng. What follows is a series of scenarios involving the sweet old lady, her daughter (who just happens to be Sonia) and her groom, a group of gangsters posing as servants, a jealous brother and a madcap wedding ceremony.
From the film's sumptuous locales and luxurious, eye-catching interiors to its lighthearted humour, memorable music (Snoop Dogg provides vocals for the film's closing-credits number), fast-paced action and dazzling camera work, Singh Is Kinng is a hypnotically energetic and enormously appealing one-of-a-kind cinematic experience.
Anees Bazmee was born in Mumbai, India, where he graduated from Mumbai University. A prolific screenwriter, his filmography as director includes Hulchul (95), Pyar To Hona Hi Tha (98), Deewangee (02), No Entry (05), Sandwich (06), Welcome (07) and Singh Is Kinng (08).