Presenting a sequel inevitably
lends itself to comparisons with the previous product, especially when you know
that the ‘sequel’ was created only after the first instalment garnered massive
accolades all over. It’s not as if the creator (director Tigmanshu Dhulia) had
an idea he would like to pan out over multiple outings (ala Nolan and the
Batman movies). Yes, one must always view an entity independently…blah blah…
and it would be quite unfair to compare Saheb
Biwi Aur Gangster Returns (SBAGR) with the preceding Saheb Biwi Aur Gangster (SBAG). Watching SBAGR made me realise how much I loved SBAG! Forgive me for
hopping back and forth between these films in this post, as I never really got
down to writing one exclusively on SBAG and will use this opportunity to do
that.
I have only vaguely read about
but not yet seen Guru Dutt’s classic Sahib
Biwi Aur Ghulam, the original which Dhulia adapted for Sahib Biwi Aur Gangster. Hence SBAG for me was a fresh film not
carrying any baggage from its inspiration. It was deliciously wicked, kept the
audience engaged and on the edge of
their seats! SBAGR, sadly, is too long, un-saucy and does not pack enough
punch. The decay of the erstwhile rulers is portrayed quite well but it is
stretched only to indulge the director’s sensibilities.
The writers of SBAGR must be
commended for some crackling dialogues and for seamlessly weaving in references
to real-life incidences (*spoiler alert!* porn-watching neta, MLAs being
whisked to seclusion just like how it is done after elections to prevent
horsetrading, lifestyle magazines featuring spreads on crumbling palaces and
interviews that evoke the erstwhile glamour and nostalgia of the ‘royal’ way of
life).
The songs of SBAGR are insipid
and barely do anything to forward the narrative OR entertain the viewers. An attempt
to spice up the proceedings via the customary ‘item song’ fails miserably as
Mugdha Godse is a totally wrong choice for it! Not only is she a hopeless
dancer but also, obviously, her cleavage does not make up for lack of
expressions! What could have been a fabulous satirical number given the
settings (think ‘Ranaji’ from Gulaal)
ends up being a forgettable comment on our media-crazy times. On the aside,
apparently the music of Dhulia’s films never really leave an imprint on us,
unlike Anurag Kashyap’s! Anyone remembers any songs from Haasil? Charas? SBAG
and SBAGR join the same league. That’s one thing consistent in Dhulia’s works!
SBAGR wraps up with a scope/ hint
for the third installation to be attempted in future. Best wishes to Dhulia and
team for hopefully making a film that will redeem this second movie. SBAG had
everyone involved bringing something interesting to the board which is kind of
missing from SBAGR. The former had menace that truly entertained but the latter
fails to make an impact of any kind. I’m craving to watch SBAG now!
SBAGR is not a bad film, it’s
just not good enough!
Images courtesy: http://avsongs.com/component/content/frontpage.html
and http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saheb,_Biwi_Aur_Gangster
