Between Saheb Biwi Aur Gangster and its sequel that released yesterday, a lot has changed for Tigmanshu Dhulia. First and foremost, he has become a known face, thanks to his negative role in last year's Anurag Kashyap epic Gangs of Wasseypur as Ramadhir Singh. And how could anybody forget Ramadhir's comment, "Jab tak iss desh mein saneema hai, public c****ya banti rahegi." On that background, Saheb Biwi Aur Gangster Returns is a treat for all the cine-phile c****yas.
Set on the backdrop of the division of Uttar Pradesh, the film uses the political scenario as a subplot to engage you in a war that is very personal. Picking up from where he left in the first film, Tigmanshu begins the sequel with wheelchairridden Saheb; who intends to marry Ranjana (Soha Ali Khan), a Rajput heiress, for progeny. Ranjana however, is in love with gangster Indrajeet Singh; whose aim is to avenge his family's lost heritage by killing Saheb. On the other side is the biwi, Madhavi Devi (Mahie Gill), a puppet MLA, trying hard to play the game by her own rules. By now, you find yourself in a web of interpersonal conflicts and as the film progresses, you only go deeper into this web, which then consumes you.
Unlike the first part, this film has no shortage of great performances. Irrfan Khan, who has worked with Tigmanshu in Paan Singh Tomar, continues charming audiences with his act as a Rajput. Jimmy Sheirgill puts in a brilliant performance and outlines the journey of Saheb as he reemerges to power with the right amount of conceit and flamboyance. Mahie Gill fits the bill as the neglected, disrespected wife; but it is sad to see her getting typecast in such roles. Soha Ali Khan pitches in with what is perhaps her best work on the screen and Pravesh, who makes his debut, is a little stagnant but bearable.
The film is composed brilliantly with specific motifs for every character and scores full marks on its microstructure. Unfortunately, what the film lacks is the same elements that were missing in the previous film too. The music is just not up to the mark. An unnecessary item number by Mugdha Godse does nothing but add to the duration of the film and another song in the film simply reminds you of Aarambh from Gulaal. If you cover your ears a little and ignore the lyrics, you will find the similarities.
The second shortcoming is the production value of the film. In some places, the costumes just don't look royal enough and create a paradox. However, made on a comparatively low budget, the film does convey a lot through its sets, which stand for the fallen prestige of India's royal families.
Through Saheb Biwi Aur Gangster Returns, Tigmanshu Dhulia brings you a thriller, political drama with a grownup romance and a tale of heartbreak at the bottom of it. The film makes you identify with the characters, take sides and as it progresses, introduces a predicament which may make you want to change sides. Engaging to say the least, this will go down as one of this year's better Hindi films.
Unlike the first part, this film has no shortage of great performances. Irrfan Khan, who has worked with Tigmanshu in Paan Singh Tomar, continues charming audiences with his act as a Rajput. Jimmy Sheirgill puts in a brilliant performance and outlines the journey of Saheb as he reemerges to power with the right amount of conceit and flamboyance. Mahie Gill fits the bill as the neglected, disrespected wife; but it is sad to see her getting typecast in such roles. Soha Ali Khan pitches in with what is perhaps her best work on the screen and Pravesh, who makes his debut, is a little stagnant but bearable.
The film is composed brilliantly with specific motifs for every character and scores full marks on its microstructure. Unfortunately, what the film lacks is the same elements that were missing in the previous film too. The music is just not up to the mark. An unnecessary item number by Mugdha Godse does nothing but add to the duration of the film and another song in the film simply reminds you of Aarambh from Gulaal. If you cover your ears a little and ignore the lyrics, you will find the similarities.
The second shortcoming is the production value of the film. In some places, the costumes just don't look royal enough and create a paradox. However, made on a comparatively low budget, the film does convey a lot through its sets, which stand for the fallen prestige of India's royal families.
Through Saheb Biwi Aur Gangster Returns, Tigmanshu Dhulia brings you a thriller, political drama with a grownup romance and a tale of heartbreak at the bottom of it. The film makes you identify with the characters, take sides and as it progresses, introduces a predicament which may make you want to change sides. Engaging to say the least, this will go down as one of this year's better Hindi films.
Rating - 3.5 out of 5
Published in DNA After Hrs (Pune) on March 9, 2013
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