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Tapping into the middle class' increasing frustration over rapid inflation, 'Saare Jahaan Se Mehnga', directed by debutant Anshul Sharma, is a well-intentioned satire constructed around a promising premise. But the film's writers fail to build on their clever central idea, and ultimately deliver an undercooked script that lacks the consistent wit of 2010's 'Phas Gaye Re Obama'I'm going with two-and-a-half out of five for 'Saare Jahaan Se Mehnga'. It's not a bad film at all; it's just not as good as it could've been.Visit Site for more
SAARE JAHAAN SE MEHNGA... has an attention-grabbing thought and the implementation catches your eye on several occasions, more so towards the latter half. In fact, much of the first hour is devoted to establishing the plot/characters and how the common man is grappling with inflation. While the first hour is strictly okay, the film takes a dramatic turn in the latter half as the family finds itself cornered. The penultimate portions, in particular, are the mainstay of the enterprise.The realistic milieu, the wit and humor in the conversation and of course, the graceful act by its principal cast makes you leave the auditorium with a beam on your face. The sole deterrent is that the writing could've been tighter, although the run time [less than 2 hours] is just perfect. On the whole, SAARE JAHAAN SE MEHNGA... is topical, relevant and relatable, with some endearing moments. It may be lacking in face-value, but you can't deny that it's an honest effort!Visit Site for more
Saare Jahaan Se Mehenga has a brilliant concept, earnest performances and clean humour. The film however falls short of evolving beyond the basic idea, which curtails the impact it should ideally make. The film has some poignant moments, especially when the old father fears humiliation if they're caught and Puttan speaking his heart out on how inflation affects the middle class. We however wish there was no love track that involves Gopal. The film also becomes a tad theatrical and preachy in portions. Performance-wise, the film stays flawless.Visit Site for more
The film has been written zippily by people who know this world. It looks and feels authentic, minus exaggeration. Badola goes over the top, though, and the plot wearies a bit by the end : complaining about aataa and daal is fine, but kaala dhan ( black money) locked in Swiss banks, which is what Puttan and co are made to get hot and bothered about too, becomes a bit much. Still, there's enough for you to want to cheer on these people and their plan to banish `menhgai' and get 'sastaai' in their lives : roti, kapdaa aur makaan is still as much a challenge as it has always been.Visit Site for more
In all, ‘Saare Jahaan Se Mehnga’ leaves you with the question, ‘Why?’... Why, for example, did the makers decide to make such a film when we are so troubled by inflation already? Or why, even if they did decide to do so, didn’t they pay the minutest of attentions to something like logic? And also, why would a person go and watch this film? The answer, my friend, is blowin’ in the wind! One and a half star from me for this extraordinary waste of time and energy. Those are two hours of my life I’m never getting back.Visit Site for more
A satire is made or busted by its writing. Rupesh Thapliyal and Vijay Manral's script struggles to balance humour and comment as Puttan and his family get entangled in a new set of woes. After a breezy first half, the story takes an unconvincing melodramatic turn and Saare Jahaan Se Mehnga becomes a routine potmoiler. Worse, tech-specs including editing and camera leave a lot to be desired. The film is an honest intention gone astray.Visit Site for more
With 'Saheb Biwi Aur Gangster Returns', director Tigmanshu Dhulia delivers another earthy cocktail of power games, bedroom politics, and palace intrigue. Only the stakes are higher in this sequel; the love is tainted from the start, and there's even vengeance thrown in for good measure. Indeed the film is gripping for the most part, if you're willing to overlook some convoluted stretches. 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.Visit Site for more
In SAHEB BIWI AUR GANGSTER RETURNS the gluttony for power is evident at the commencement itself and the venomous games these characters play add effectiveness to the premise. Rest assured, even if you haven't watched the first part, you are likely to absorb the story like a sponge because the raconteur is narrating a brand new account this time, while retaining the characters/setting of the first part. On the whole, SAHEB BIWI AUR GANGSTER RETURNS is 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!Visit Site for more
Tigmanshu Dhulia has created an intriguing world with rajas fighting for their kingship; politicians watching porn, gangsters sleeping with the enemy, and women unapologetic about adultery in the ballroom and bedroom. The setting and story is vibrant, dramatic, dark and humourous at the same time. Once again, he scores with his characters - intelligently sketched, with dichotomous layers - dark, brooding, loving and lustful. The editing and the screenplay in the second half lose steam, and the item number (courtesy Mughda Godse) punctures the pace. The climax passively surrenders without the satiating feel of bittersweet revenge. This may not be Tigmanshu's best, but it's a movie with more balls than most cinema can flaunt.Visit Site for more
Despite finding a lot to individually love, I wasn’t very sold on the first Saheb Biwi Aur Gangster, largely because of the way it stretched out, its uneven tone, and the fatal misstep in attempting to pay tribute to Saheb Bibi Aur Ghulam by mirroring the classic. The new film is much sharper, more assured, and, unencumbered by a classic to stand beside, a far better film. Like the crooners aware of which guests to keep away from the tipple and the aides who wait till the master’s lips touch drink before letting their own, it is clear Tigmanshu Dhulia knows what he’s doing. It has, in fact, never been clearer. Which itself is worth drinking to. Besides, how could one resist a film where even drawers opening and closing sound like guns being cocked?Visit Site for more
Saheb Biwi aur Gangster Returns just becomes more and more over-wrought and eventually, unconvincing. The plot contortions stop being organic and instead start to feel forced as though Tigmanshu was simply moving pawns on a chessboard. The film’s length starts to weigh on you and an unnecessary item song doesn’t help much. By the end, I was no longer enthralled by the many twists. I was exhausted. Which is a shame because there is much to be enjoyed here. Saheb Biwi Aur Gangster Returns doesn’t deliver the juicy thrill of the first film. But it’s worth watching for its characters and dialogue. I’m going with three stars.Ratings:3.5/5 Review By: Saibal Chaterjee Site:NDTV
A revenge drama with a dash of political satire and a double love triangle dovetailed into a dark thriller, writer-director Tigmanshu Dhulia’s follow-up to Saheb Biwi Aur Gangster is an intense, effervescent and eventually melancholic film. But Saheb Biwi Aur Gangster Returns isn’t an average vengeance saga either. Its characters are a somewhat deranged bunch quite capable of doing the unthinkable without batting an eyelid. Nothing could be better for the viewer – thanks to its gallery of distressed deviants who will stop at nothing, the film is as full of surprises as the prequel was. The sequel is certainly better in one respect – the tragic climax is sharp, unfussy and marked by great sense of economy. As for the film as a whole, there can be no room for any doubt. It is recommended unequivocally.Visit Site for more
The 'return' is a better film, but it stops short of being excellent. The smooth build-up in the first half leads to a confused, too-crowded second, which lets the film, and us, down. But while the going is good, it is all most gripping.It is the men who rule. Jimmy Shergill fits his part well, but it is Irrfan who rises above the film in a terrific performance : he is wounded poet and warrior, and passionate lover who is betrayed and betrays. He keeps us with the film in both its highs and lows.Visit Site for more
The films biggest asset is not the ensemble but the writing. The screenplay and dialogues are par excellence, giving the film a remarkable flavor, seductively drawing us into the lives of these characters. There is pace and agility to his effort, which struggles in the middle but catches up as the film nears its end. 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.Visit Site for more
There are times when you are so overwhelmed by a film that you need some time for it to sink in. This is one such film. Director Tigmanshu Dhulia’s ‘Saheb, Biwi aur Gangster Returns’ is nothing short of a miracle. It pervades the senses, lets you clutch your sides out of laughter, leaves you in tears, makes you gape at it in wonder – all in a mere span of 145 minutes. 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!) Four stars from me for Tigmanshu Dhulia’s masterpiece. Do NOT miss this one!Visit Site for more
Part I was a thriller, a magnificent plot essayed brilliantly by all actors and Tigmanshu had given no chance for the audience to squirm in their seats. It was brilliance from 'Take One'. One, Tigmanshu could not have envisaged a phenomenal critical approval of SAHEB BIWI AUR GANGSTER and secondly, and more importantly, he would never have had thought of a sequel whilst making the first. 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. What he does in the end is leave room for Part III. And this I must say is a smart move.Visit Site for more
Despite a sluggish start, few unnecessary dances and some inconclusive twists, Tigmanshu’s royal heroes succeed in creating a thundering impact. ‘Saheb Biwi Aur Gangster Returns’ is packed with exceptional performances. It’s hard to pick a favourite, with each actor giving their characters a remarkable twist. Tigmanshu ties it all up in an unexpected end, one that the purists might baulk at, but one that deserves applause nevertheless. This is a daring sequel, worthy of a watch.Visit Site for more
Indeed the sequel to “Saheb Biwi Aur Gangster” moves far ahead in its packaging and technical finesse. The politics and dynamics of relationships trapped in an eerie game of one-upmanship are brought to flickering life in this scintillating sequel that mischievously secretes alcoves of unexpected temptations. The characters, in fact, are so savagely tragic that they end up looking comical in their self-appointed positions of septic ambitions. You really can’t like any of the people in Dhulia’s world of sex, politics and crime. Ask them if they care! SBAGR is a vivid, vibrant, dramatic, savagely tragic and unexpectedly humorous sequel with gutsy passionate performances. This is not a film you can fall in love with. Its drama of dreadful disenchantment doesn’t allow you the luxury of affection.Visit Site for more