Saheb Biwi Aur Gangster Returns
Year: 2013
Director: Tigmanshu Dhulia
Cast: Jimmy Shergill, Mahie Gill, Soha Ali Khan, Irrfan

In 1962, Guru Dutt’s Sahib Bibi Aur Ghulam brilliantly explored the theme of crumbling feudal system and resultant emotional conundrums in the erstwhile ‘ruling’ class. In 2011, Tigmanshu Dhulia extrapolated that theme in the context of the current status of ex- rulers of princely states. His inspired take Saheb Biwi Aur Gangster was one of the sleeper hits of the year. Charting a far different course than the Guru Dutt-classic, this movie enamored critics with its daring take on dying feudalism trying to remain relevant in the contemporary sociopolitical scene and the underlying complexities of human relationships.

Afterwards Dhulia went on making further positive strides, both as a film-maker (Paan Singh Tomar) and as an actor (Gangs of Wasseypur). So his new installment of Sahib Biwi Aur Gangster franchise garnered a lot of pre-release interest. With such high expectations, how does the film compare with its predecessor?

What’s the plot?

The two central characters – Saheb (Jimmy Shergil), the ruthless feudal lord and Biwi alias Chhoti Bahu (Mahie Gil), his frustrated alcoholic wife are back but now their roles are slightly changed. Saheb is now recuperating from the paralysis that resulted from the earlier attempt on his life but he is still maintaining a vice-like grip on the regional politics, using Biwi’s MLA-post by proxy and playing every dirty trick in the book. The wife is shattered to know that her wheelchair-bound husband now plans to marry a young princess (Soha Ali Khan). The princess’s father, an ex-royal-cum-present-day MLA (Raj Babbar) agrees for this indecent proposal under duress but then sends his Gangster henchman (Irrfan) to try and topple Saheb. In love with the princess, the gangster takes up the job, which would also offer him a chance to get his old feudal honor back. But little does he know that he would soon enter into a dangerous liaison with his enemy’s wife. With constantly changing personal and political equations, what will happen next?

What’s hot?

·         Higher budget this time has given the film-maker the liberty to make the film look sleeker and richer.

·         The plot is an intricately woven mesh of earthy characters, believable circumstances and complex emotions. The film presents a fine mosaic of feudal arrogance, shameless politicking, cunning conspiracies, suppressed love, blatant lust and bitter betrayals. The climax is unpredictable and leaves us numb.

·         Wonderful performances all around. Jimmy Shergill delivers his finest performance yet as the true blue-blooded Saheb who would go to any lengths to keep the power in his hands. As his frustrated MLA wife, Mahie Gill takes forward her perpetually drunken, part-hysterical, part-conniving man-eater act. As the reluctant bride-to-be princess, Soha Ali Khan brings in the perfect royal dignity. As the gangster fixated on his royal roots, Irrfan once again proves his acting mettle.

·         The situational humor through an inept politician’s antics works very well in an otherwise emotionally taut narrative. Rajeev Gupta is too good in this small role!

What’s not?

Except for the needless item songs, practically everything worked perfectly in this film. But I can see that it is certainly not a mass-entertainer. Many may find it to be too grim, complex and explicit to their liking!

Verdict

In Saheb Biwi Aur Gangster Returns Dhulia does an even more impressive job as compared to his earlier films. It is a superb film, which keeps you intrigued and interested till the end with its politically, sexually and emotionally charged narrative; sparkling dialogues and some top-notch performances.

For me, it is the best film of 2013 so far!