Saheb Biwi Aur Gangster Review

What makes 'Saheb Biwi aur Gangster' special is it's layered narrative. Just when you feel that you have cracked the reason and cause behind a certain scene, there is something new which unfolds that only enhances the film further. So while it seems like a familiar ground being explored when the classic case of 'a woman (Mahie Gill) looking for another man (Randeep Hooda) after being ignored by her husband (Jimmy Sheirgill)' is brought to fore, it turns out there is also a power game being played by all involved.

This means that while Jimmy wants to get back his lost power and Randeep dreams of gaining power through any means, there is Mahie who wants her share in every pie. This is what turns out to be the beauty of 'Saheb Biwi aur Gangster' which, despite it's setting in a Godforsaken small town, works big time.

Now if only the film would have played as a love triangle or a movie about a husband suspecting his wife of infidelity, there was always a risk of the entire drama turning a tad predictable and also routine. However with elements around construction business, rival gangs, loyalty, commitment, double crossing and politics put into play, the film becomes a highly engaging saga that seldom loses it's grip. What further help the cause are the spoken words where it is ensured that there is one massive punch-line in practically every single scene that unfolds on screen.

This is the reason why one ends up being totally convinced about the royal setting of the film since it allows Jimmy to still continue with his 'raja saheb' act and hence indulge in some heavy duty dialogue-baazi. Also, this very setting also gives an altogether different texture to the film, something which is brought to fore by some effective cinematography that captures the 'haveli' mood quite well.

Quite a few notable scenes do stand out in this dramatic affair. The ones featuring Jimmy are the pick of the lot, especially when he is striking deals of pulling down his rivals through sheer spoken words. On the other hand interaction between Mahie and Randeep is well done too with former dominating over the other in the first half and then vice versa in the second half. In fact the entire game played by Randeep to get into Jimmy's good books followed by elimination of his rivals is well done. What catches one by total surprise though are the sequences that lead from pre-climax to climax.

Performances wise too it is hard to pick anyone between Jimmy, Mahie or Randeep, each of whom gets into the skin of the character and enacts the part with full conviction. Even other players do well in their respective parts, be it Jimmy's right hand man (Deep Rana) or his daughter (Deepal Shaw) who sees Randeep straying away from a distance. Music, though just about okay, goes well with the film's setting though background score deserves additional points.

Good old dramebaazi, 'dhansu' dialogues, powerful performances, surprising twists and turns and an unpredictable narrative - this is what makes Tigmanshu Dhulia directed 'Saheb Biwi aur Gangster' a film that is easily the surprise package this season when more and more films are trying to push the envelope.

Rating: ***1/2

 Watch Here Public Review