It’s a season of sequels in Bollywood. But Saheb Biwi Aur Gangster Returns stands out as it’s a ‘sequel’ in the truest sense of the term, since the film begins where the first part, Saheb Biwi Aur Gangster, ended. Part 1 was highly entertaining and engrossing and those having apprehensions as to whether the sequel will live up to the expectations can heave a sigh of relief. Saheb Biwi Aur Gangster Returns is as brilliant as Saheb Biwi Aur Gangster, if not better. Definitely worth watching!

The story of the movie: After getting injured in cross-firing, Aditya Pratap Singh aka Saheb (Jimmy Sheirgill) is wheelchair-bound. His hatred for Madhvi aka Biwi (Mahie Gill), now an MLA and chronic alcoholic, is even more. On the other hand, Indrajeet Singh aka Gangster (Irrfan Khan) is in love with Ranjana (Soha Ali Khan), who is also from a royal family. Indrajeet thirsts for Saheb’s blood and how the lives of the four collide forms the crux of Saheb Biwi Aur Gangster Returns.

The film is almost 145 minutes long (with the intermission point arriving after almost 90 minutes). But the riveting direction and screenplay keeps audiences glued to their seats. The story unfolds in the most interesting manner. Sensuality and unpredictability were the strengths of Saheb Biwi Aur Gangster. The sequel however is low on sensuality but is highly unpredictable, with something unexpected happening every few minutes. Note how Indrajeet’s character is introduced and initially, not even a hint is given out about his association with Ranaja’s family. It’s only later that one learns about it, which again, makes for an unpredictable watch!

The four major characters are constantly playing games and trying to double cross. One never knows till the end what exactly is going on in their mind and what their next move would be. On the flipside however, the film gets tad too long and also confusing at places, hampering the overall impact. However, the film picks up in the last 20-25 minutes (when Saheb calls for a meeting of MLAs). The climax is intriguing and the film ends with a hint of a third part. And I am sure no one’s complaining!

Saheb Biwi Aur Gangster Returns is embellished with some brilliant performances. Jimmy Sheirgill yet again shines as the dashing Saheb. He’s on wheelchair for most part of the film but he looks so convincing giving out orders, scolding the Biwi and playing politics with his contemporaries. Yet another fine performance from a fine actor! Mahie Gill goes deep into the skin of her character and looks every inch the manipulative seductress and alcoholic. Irrfan Khan, as expected, is terrific addition to the franchise. The Dhulia-Khan combo has worked big time in the past (Paan Singh Tomar being the classic example) and Saheb Biwi Aur Gangster Returns is no exception! Soha Ali Khan looks charming and delivers an excellent performance. Once again, the actress makes it loud and clear that she deserves to be seen more.

Deepraj Rana (Kanhaiya) lends adequate support and plays his superbly written part with gusto. However, Kanhaiya’s daughter (played by Deepal Shaw) was missed! Brijendra Singh (Raj Babbar) puts his best foot forward. MLA Tiwari (Rajeev Gupta) is excellent and funnier than what he played in the first part. Pravesh Rana (as Indrajeet’s brother Paramjeet Singh) makes a great debut and will definitely be noticed. Rajesh Khera (Basanta) was unrecognizable. Sujay Shankarwar (Rudy) was apt and so were Mukesh Tyagi (Jaiswal), Kanika Dang (Badi Rana) and Charanpreet Singh (journalist). Co-producer of the film, Rahul Mittra, too makes an appearance in a scene as principal secretary Saxena and does fine. Anjana Sukhani and Mugdha Godse add to the glamour quotient with their respective item songs.

Saheb Biwi Aur Gangster had a great music score (that never got noticed sadly) but the album of the sequel (by Sandeep Chowta) is strictly okay. Idhar Gire (reminds of Kaisi Paheli – Parineeta) is the best of the lot. Bas Chal Kapat (reminds of Aarambh – Gulaal!) and Kona Kona Dil Ka are smartly incorporated while Media Se seemed unwanted. Sandeep Chowta’s background score however is exhilarating. Costumes (Tulika Dhulia) are praiseworthy and seem quite royal and apt for the film’s setting. Locales (Devgarh Baria, Gujarat) are appealing.

Tigmanshu Dhulia and Kamal Pandey’s story is original and surely made for a great watch. Dhulia’s dialogues are the best part of the enterprise. Very memorable! Screenplay and direction gets confusing at places, while the film could have been slightly shorter. But yet, Dhulia’s work deserves praise as the film doesn’t have a single dull moment. The director seems in top form and hope he continues his great work in his upcoming films – Bullet Raja and Milan Talkies.

Some of the best scenes:
1. Saheb, Biwi And Gangster’s entry scenes
2. The polo match scene (terrific!)
3. Biwi meets Gangster
4. The song Idhar Gire
5. Gangster meets MLA Tiwari (hilarious!)
6. Intermission point
7. Basanta and his gang nabbed by Paramjeet
8. Ranjana falls for Saheb
9. The last 20-25 minutes

On the whole, Saheb Biwi Aur Gangster Returns is a well-executed drama and turns out to be as good as the first part, if not better. The film gets stretched and confusing at places, but the unpredictability is its major strength. One never knows what shall happen next and who is playing politics with whom! And that’s what makes Saheb Biwi Aur Gangster Returns a worth watching fare. Performances and dialogue are added bonus. Go for it and having a rocking Royal time!