Saheb, Biwi Aur Gangster

Synopsis

Based in a small town in the state of Uttar Pradesh, Saheb Biwi Aur Gangster is a story packed with intrigue betrayal and ambition between a beautiful Raani (Mahi Gill), her Raja husband (Jimmy Shergill) and an ambitious young man Babloo (Randeep Hooda).

The Raja and his Raani live in their ancestral royal house trying to maintain the status and structure their ancestors had left behind. But due to the changing times, some extreme financial conditions and the long gone habit of a royal having a mistress, the Raja tries hard to maintain his status and financial conditions. His rival political party, belonging to Gainda Singh (Vipin Sharma), is on a constant mission to eliminate the Raja and his allies, to get a hold of the administration, which has been with this royal family for decades. Eventually he is left with just one ally, Kanahiya (Deepraj Rana), who is Saheb's most trusted and dangerous servant. Due to the Raja's interest in his beautiful mistress, Raani yearns for his attention and tries to get him to return to her. The Raja starts taking contract killing assignments to be able to cope up with his lifestyle and to be able to get a stronger hold over his political situation while campaigning for the elections, which becomes a difficult battle considering the loss of his allies and deteriorating financial situation.

The drama deepens when the same rival gang plants Babloo (Randeep Hooda) to get information and plot the Raja's killing, as the temporary driver for Raani. Raani, saddened by the lack of her husband's attention and slightly hysterical due to the same, gets into a sexual relationship with Babloo who seems to be giving more of his time to her. In this process, Babloo falls deeply in love with Raani and confesses his assignment in front of Raja. The Raani uses Babloo to get the mistress killed to gain her husband. Babloo manages to fulfill her demand but in turn gets ambitious, wanting the Raani and the power which Saheb now holds for himself.

The climax is set at a point where Babloo has planned to execute Saheb, and succeeds in shooting him and Kanahiya. After intercourse with his mistress, she reminds him of her payment of Rs. 20000 and he reminds her of her stature and that he will return her money the next time he visits. Later, Raani has Babloo shot dead stating that "he can only be a partner in the bedroom, but not as a Saheb". Saheb slowly recovering, as he wins the election. In the end, Raani is shown appointing a new driver for herself, which hints at a sequel.

Cast

Production

The budget of the movie was ₹ 4 crores.

Critical reception

Saheb, Biwi aur Gangster received critical acclaim from top critics. Taran Adarsh from Bollywood Hungama rated it 3.5/5 stars applauding its powerful plot, engaging script, commanding dialogue, and super performances. Nikhat Kazmi from the Times of India gave the film 4/5 stars calling the film a "must watch". Movie Talkies rated it 4/5 stars calling it Tigmanshu's "Twisty Tour De Force!". Aniruddha Guha from DNA India gave the film 4/5 stars and said, "Saheb Biwi Aur Gangster draws you in from the very start, keeps you hooked throughout, and ends on a high." Guha also applauded the perfect mix of romance, action, and humour in the film. Ayaz Shaikh from Rediff Movies commended the film and said "Saheb Biwi Aur Gangster is a gripping tale of intricate politics, love and betrayal", and gave the film 3.5/5 stars.

Box office

Saheb Biwi Aur Gangster collected around 1-11.0 million nett on its first day of its release. Saheb Biwi Aur Gangster remained on the lower side with around 3.50–37.5 million nett over its first weekend. Saheb Biwi Aur Gangster remained steady but on the lower side on the weekdays as it grossed 52.9 million nett approx in its first week. It is grossed net 200 million.

Awards and nominations

Star Screen Awards

Filmfare Awards

Stardust Awards (Stardust Searchlight Awards)

Zee Cine Awards

IIFA Awards

Apsara Awards

Sequel

Following the huge critical success of the film, a sequel was announced. Principal shooting started in April 2012 and was completed in October 2012. The sequel, titled Saheb, Biwi Aur Gangster Returns, was released on 8 March 2013. It starred Jimmy Shergill and Mahi Gill, who reprised their roles from the previous film, as well as new additions Irrfan Khan and Soha Ali Khan. Raj Babbar and Mugdha Godse also appeared in the film.