Ajay Devgn's scowling super-cop act in Rohit Shetty's Singham Returns has met with euphoria.The stereotypical Bollywood hero dressed in khaki - stripping down to a white ganji, vanquishing goons and corrupt politicians without even a wand (the lathi) - is tailor-made to warrant seetis.

Rohit is beaming because that is what he witnessed at a screening in a Mumbai theatre. He says, “People clapped and whistled each time Ajay said, 'Aata Majhi Satakli', but what gave me a high was seeing some sari-clad women carrying plastic whistles. They made a lot of noise, especially each time Singham said, 'Mein leta nahin, deta hoon'. All that dialoguebaazi and machismo displayed by the hero got the expected results. People were having a ball repeating the lines.“

Ajay is more reticent when it comes to discussing the sequel. And though he will not confirm it, he doesn't deny that there have been premature talks of a third instalment to this celebrated cop franchise. The actor is happy that this time, Singham not only hit a home run, but has also received his share of accolades from overseas. “When I heard that Sylvester Stallone referred to me as the Indian Rambo, I was happy,“ he admits, adding, “That only means that Singham's travails have crossed the borders.“

For Rohit and Ajay, the success of the sequel is particularly encouraging, because it strengthens their own box office record of earlier hits like the Golmaal series, All The Best, Bol Bachchan and Singham. Looking at the crowds milling around them on Gokulashtami Day at a dahi handi celebration, the actor-director vowed they will be back for more.