And then, there is the more succulent, more bold and way stronger Saheb Biwi aur Gangster returns. It is one film I highly recommend you watch, not just because of its impeccable performances and the usual treatment of UP's badlands in the royal way, but also because of a more charming emotional quotient and productive imagination. With this film, Tigmanshu is way more close to SBG his ultimate goal. This is also a better film than the first one, since the male characters have been strongly developed and there are excessively textured female characters who all play their parts well. The narrative threads do pull off to the audience in a seemless manner.

Sequels has been the flavour of the industry in the past few years, but invariably most of the times the sequel barely has any connection with the prequel except for the star cast. However, the sequel of critically acclaimed "Sahib Biwi Aur Gangster", promises to be different & paints a whole new sage of love, power & betrayal. The question now is can the sequel match the lofty standards of its prequel???

The film kicks off from where it has left off in the prequel with Aditya Pratap Singh (Jimmy Shergill) confined to the wheel chair after being paralysed by the gun shot. His relation with his wife, Madhavi Devi (Mahie Gill) was on the rocks as he tries to overcome the infidelity & betrayal she had inflicted on him, while Madhavi who is a MLA seeks solace in alcohol. Seeking to revive the days of yore, Aditya seeks the support of the other royals to ensure that political power rests in their arms. However, in this battle for power adversaries emerges even among trusted lieutenants. Prominent among the foes was Indrajith Singh (Irrfan Khan) who himself was of royal lineage but whose royality has bit the dust with the ill times. As Aditya manipulates for power, Indrajith plots for vengeance & who eventually truimphs forms the crux of the film.

Tigmanshu Dhulia has definitely come up with an impressive script, but certainly not on par with the prequel. Though the first half does build the tempo, the latter half fails to land the knockout punch & fizzles out in a rather predictable manner. Just as in the prequel, the dialogues are spot on & Tigmanshu has to be applauded for it. Sandeep Chowta's background score was good while the music was average at best.

Undoubtedly the biggest plus point of the film is the brilliant performances essayed by Jimmy Shergill & Irrfan Khan. Both of them virtually got into the skin of the character & delivers with panache. Equally impressive were the rest of the cast be it Mahie Gill, though she did seem repetitive towards the latter half, Soha Khan who seemed to be an apt choice for the delicate princess, Raj Babbar and the rest.

Verdict: The film is bound to have an impressive opening considering the positive comments it had garnered from its prequel. Though it was kinda predictable towards the latter half & lacks the flair of the prequel, it still makes for a very good one time watch. So do check it out!!!

Rating: 2.75/5

Regards...Ben