Review: Saheb Biwi Aur Gangster Returns

Saheb Biwi Aur Gangster Returns Review by Indicine Critic Joginder Tuteja

Aaaah, now here is one sequel that actually came with some massive expectations. With ‘Saheb Biwi Aur Gangster’ staying on to be memorable till date, the stage was set for the sequel to be all the more powerful. Surprisingly, the film doesn’t turn out to an overwhelming experience.

The film starts from where it left in the first part. Saheb (Jimmy Shergill) is alive, if not kicking, Biwi (Mahie Gill) has turned out to be all the more ‘besharam’ and there is a new gangster (Irrfan Khan) in the town. Add to that a ‘choti rani’ (Soha Ali Khan) in the making, her father (Raj Babbar), a bunch of dacoits, a few more politicians and Saheb’s loyal Man Friday (Deepraj Rana) and the Tigmanshu Dhulia could have pretty much created riot on screen. What happens instead is a film that breaks into multiple tangents, some converging and a few going haywire, hence resulting in a story that leaves more questions than presenting answers.

Saheb Biwi Aur Gangster ReviewSaheb Biwi Aur Gangster Movie Review

Agreed that the film requires audience to be wide awake and keep the attention on all the happenings unfolding on screen. In fact this is what keeps the film going for the entire first half of the film which, despite being long, doesn’t really make you complain. Though there are way too many turns, if not the twists in the proceedings, you are pretty much engrossed in the lives of the proceedings. Yes, in the midst of this all, you do feel at times that the zing is missing in certain portions. Still, since Tigmanshu spins a new tale and unpredictability is the name of the game, you go with the flow.

However, it’s the second half where narrative starts meandering in all directions. The entire political angle, which could have sounded very exciting on paper (and would be definitely clear in the mind of the writer and the director) isn’t quite comprehendible. Mahie and Irrfan using each other does’t come across as convincingly on screen. Soha’s change in heart is convenient while Jimmy’s masterplan centred on a hostage situation comes out of nowhere. Moreover, Irrfan’s act towards the finale only results in more questions being added to the list. What’s more, the motive behind an accident(!) taking place in the ‘haveli’ is unexplained.

What still keeps the film going, especially in the first half, are three factors – A fast paced narrative, fabulous performances and good dialogues. In fact these were the hallmark of the first part of the film as well and Tigmanshu deserves points for keeping the core elements intact. This means right from the film’s beginning when Jimmy and Raj Babbar get into a face-off to the point when the indecent proposal is made to Irrfan elated by the ‘morcha’ situation in the making to Mahie beginning to play her cards, one hardly gets time to think.

As Saheb, Jimmy is top notch and his dialogue delivery does carry certain regal power to it. Mahie is seductive and amusing, as per the demand of the situation, and does quite well. One did expect more of Irrfan in the plot but he is natural as always, hence also leading to chuckles at numerous junctures. Soha fits into the setting well. Pravesh Rana is good in his limited part and gets some seetis and taalis for his dialogues towards the film’s end. Anjana Sukhani’s special track is in flow with the film’s narrative and though Mugdha Godse brings on sex appeal, her item number is totally forced in the narrative.

If one compares ‘Saheb Biwi aur Gangster Returns’ to the first part, it is actually a step behind. Now that doesn’t mean that it is not a good affair. In fact if one maps it against so many other films being churned out in Bollywood week after week, it is a much better experience. However, it is the expectations factor that dilutes the overall impact, hence leaving one thirsting for a much more exciting affair. Hopefully that would be fulfilled in the third part which is definitely in the offering.

Rating: ★★★☆☆

Do post your reviews of Saheb Biwi Aur Gangster Returns in the comments section below.

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1 Comment

  • Guys and girls this my humble request to you please go and watch the movie,its awesome!!
    Jimmy shergill gives his best performance,and those who are thinking that it may not be an entertaining affair,you are wrong,its complete thriller packed entertainment.

    4 stars from me

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