Saheb Biwi aur Gangster was a
surprise success at the box office in 2011, so much so that a sequel Saheb Biwi aur Gangster Returns was
immediately announced to cash in the brand.
However the story moves forward in
this movie unlike many other sequels like “Munnabhai” and “Golmaal” where
similar characters are placed in different story lines, or like “Murder”,
“Jism”, “Jannat” which are called sequels more on the base of similar themes
rather than continuation of charters or story, so this could be well placed
between “Dhoom”, “Don” or “Hera-Feri” where the story and characters move
forward.
You need to
watch the previous part to understand the dynamics between Sahib (Jimmy) and
Bibi (Maahi Gil) otherwise you may feel lost, just like the last part where a
third element (Gangster) enters their life in the form of Randeep Huda, in this
part as well there is a third angle in form of Irrfan Khan and a forth angle in
form of Soha Ali Khan.
The story keeps
on moving with changing power structure and shifting loyalties and that keeps
you engaged, the first half is a delight to watch, where everybody is throwing
poison dipped dialogues to everybody. Unfortunately second half is a little bit
weak in comparison to the first half. However it is not bad at all. Although
there are a couple of lapses in the screenplay that we need to ignore. Performance
wise Irrfan and Jimmy both are outstanding with good support from Maahi Gil and
Soha Ali.
Few sequences
stand out, like the one where Irrfan poses as a journalist and meets a
politician, ditto to the scene where he tries to honor his ancestor’s statue
with his blood, and the scene with Irffan’s brother and Jimmy Shergil. Even the
climax is top notch and unexpected.
The item number
with Mugdha Godse was unwanted and idiotic and should have been avoided.
However the movie
is a definite watch for anybody who liked the previous installment as the
director has not disappointed this time as well, and left open the possibility
of another sequel if needed.
Rating ***.
