Strong performances carry a sequel that stumbles after interval.
Verdict tier Recommended, most critics liked it, on a scale of Unfavorable, Mixed, Recommended, Exceptional.
Not streaming in India
Critic consensus
Critical reception for Saheb, Biwi Aur Gangster Returns is largely positive, with most reviewers finding it an engaging and entertaining follow-up. Critics most frequently praised the performances, dialogue, and Tigmanshu Dhulia's handling of characters rooted in North Indian political milieu, with several noting the riveting first half and imaginative twists. Common criticisms include an inconsistent post-interval section, a sense that the sequel feels more contrived than the original, and for some, an overly complex plot that loses the viewer. A handful of critics felt the film fell short of both Dhulia's own standards and the rawness that distinguished the first installment.
Positive = 6.5/10 and up · negative = below 5/10
AI-generated summary of 17 critic reviews · may contain errors
Report inaccuracyFrom the papers
Top critics first, then by score · not-rated last · updated
Top critic
Film review ·
It is this anything-goes approach that carries itself on to the opening credits -- with oddly tacky graphics of tossed coins and guns, as if to rub the film's lack of finesse in our faces -- and to the characters, who are introduced with no subtlety whatsoever: the word Gangster shows up with a funny gong sound, the Biwi appears to wailing B-movie siren sounds in the background.
Top critic
Film review ·
As for the film as a whole, there can be no room for any doubt. It is recommended unequivocally.
Top critic
Film review ·
Saheb Biwi aur Gangster Returns doesn't fully deliver the juicy thrill of the first film. But it should be seen for its characters and dialogue. These thoroughly nasty people are worth spending time with.
Top critic
Film review ·
Despite its many indulgences 'Saheb Biwi Aur Gangster Returns' is ultimately an engaging watch. I'm going with three out of five for this fascinating tale of ambition and emotions that might have further benefited from tighter writing.
Top critic
Film review ·
The story-telling in the first half is so seamless that you overlook the things that had been a problem the first time around.
Top critic
Film review ·
Indeed, here's so much plotting and planning going yawn, that you lose track of what's going on in the cauldron of political ambitions and quickie sex.
Film review ·
SBAGR focuses on the obsessions and passions of the Royal families in UP. And it does a fantastic job of capturing the essence of that vanity of that overt machismo.
Film review ·
Tigmanshu Dhulia's film is a call to the masses to return to the real India of the hinterland; the place where earthy, solid stories exist. Places where the women can unabashedly say, "Hume mard hi kyu milte hai... Shayar kyun nahi milte!" (Why do we get just men... why not poets!)
Film review ·
...a twisted tale with a riveting first hour and inconsistent post-interval portions. This film may not be Tigmanshu Dhulia's finest work, but it has moments that prove his supremacy as a storyteller. Watch it for the intriguing characters and terrific performances!
Film review ·
At home with the genre, Dhulia delivers a winner that not only entertains, but keeps you engaged with its riveting screenplay and top notch performances.
Film review ·
In essence, the sequel follows the basic pattern of the first film - only the twists this time are more imaginative, the story more complex and thrills smarter.
Film review ·
Different from movies where one can simply predict scenes, Saheb Biwi Aur Gangster Returns will surprise you more than just once.
Film review ·
This may not be Tigmanshu's best, but it's a movie with more balls than most cinema can flaunt.
Film review ·
It's an intricate plot but Dhulia never loses the thread, the structures are cohesive and it's a pleasure to watch each layer unfold.
Film review ·
Personally, I expected more from Tigmanshu. That he managed to pull all back within the last 20 minutes speaks volumes about his genius. He is one of our best filmmakers today.
Film review ·
True to the original, the sequel is a dangerous representation of the greedy game that is the battleground of North Indian politics. Played as much with bullets as it is with shrewdness and cunning.
Film review ·
All the things that made the first Saheb Biwi Aur Gangster impressive — its mood, its rawness, its rootedness, its boldness - seem much too contrived in its sequel.
From our readers
10 ratings · user score 6.1
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
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.
Credits
Irrfan KhanIndrajeet Pratap Singh aka Raja Bhaiyya
Jimmy ShergillAditya Pratap Singh
Soha Ali KhanRanjana
Raj BabbarBirendra Pratap
Deepraj RanaKanhaiya
Mahie GillMadhavi Devi
Anjana SukhaniSpecial Appearance
Mugdha GodseSpecial Appearance
Rajesh KheraHindi films like Saheb, Biwi Aur Gangster Returns
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2011
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