Movie Review: Saheb, Biwi aur Gangster Returns..pretty impressively

Its not often, in fact, its quite rare that we have had a worthy sequel offering in Bollywood. With Race 2, Don 2, Dabbang 2, Jannat 2 coming to mind, the sequel is pretty much meant to be the money spinner, without much thought to plot development and a half decent script. However, Tigmanshu Dhulia clearly emerges as the exception to that rather depressing norm, with another fairly impressive second helping of this deceitful and intriguing set of characters

First things first, do you need to have seen the first movie to follow what happens in the sequel? Well, not really but I would definitely recommend that you do, since its a pretty decent watch. Moreover, it develops the main characters, and while the Gangster may have changed, the Saheb and Biwi are very much intact so you’ll follow proceedings a lot better if you do

Coming to the sequel itself, well the start is very impressive. Other than the background score being unnecessarily loud in certain sequences, the Saheb, Biwi and Gangster are introduced very well. The plot development is tight and gripping. There is a manner of subtlety in which scenes of hard-hitting politics are shown and one is reminded of epics like Godfather, Sarkar in certain scenes of directorial brilliance. If only the entire movie had proceeded along those lines..

As it stands though, there are too many sub-plots/ incidents that while being well depicted, do nothing much for the main storyline and end up slowing a narrative which is itself meant to be filled with treachery, intrigue and politics. Further, add the unnecessary song and dance that again does nothing for the plot and you have yourself a rather long 2 hours 25 minutes to endure in the hall.

Humor is used quite well and there is many a punch in the intelligent one liners and scenes that will have you guffawing every now and then. However, after a while, while you still laugh, it begins to feel over-done and you want to get back to the main plot

The main issue here, in my view, is that in Tigmanshu Dhulia, you have a pretty accomplished and intelligent but rather indulgent director which means he tries to put all his ideas in one movie, stretching it unnecessarily. With a taut script and delivery, Returns…would have struck a stunning blow but the extra runtime and scenes tend to dull the impact. I have a bit of bone to pick with the climax/ending as well, but wouldn’t want to ruin it for you guys, so will refrain.

In terms of performances, Jimmy Shergill clearly stands out as the proud, haughty but sharp Saheb while Irrfan is a close second (surprisingly). Mahie Gill is erratic as ever and while some scenes are delivered with perfection, others will make you grimace, wondering if this is the same actor performing. Soha Ali Khan, looks pretty and expressive in some scenes but is too stony faced and wooden in her performance. A special mention to Rajeev Gupta who plays his minor role as a bumbling politician to the T and brings many a laugh

To sum it up then, Returns..makes a solid re-appearance that is definitely worth the effort. While it could’ve been shorter and snappier, there’s not too much to complain about and you should certainly enjoy your time in the hall