Gangs of Wasseypur Part II (2012)

Directed By - Anurag Kashyap
Starring - Nawazuddin Siddique, Huma Qureshi, Piyush Mishra, Richa Chadha, Tigmanshu Dhulia, Zeishan Quadri

Its quite difficult to believe that a film with a host of relatively unknown actors and non commercial treatment can gain so much favour with the audience. Nonetheless, its good to see that good cinema is still on the public's agenda. Whats sad is that a man who made gems like 'Black Friday' and 'Dev D' finally got wholesome appreciation for a film that is probably his weakest work. Don't get me wrong, its still an extremely good film (series, whatever).

GOW II starts off where its earlier half left off. Sardar Khan (Bajpayee) has been brutally killed by Sultan and Ramadhir Singh(Dhulia). This is followed by a quick retaliation from Sardar's elder son Daanish who too gets killed in the process. With no way out and a lot of scores to settle Sardar's ganja addicted younger son Faizal (Siddique) takes up the responsibility of getting even with the villains. Faizal brutally murders his best friend who had double crossed him hence setting the note straight that he is not here to fool around. As the fear for faizal grows, he consolidates his hold in the steel mafia of Wasseypur. thrown into the picture is Faizal's stepbrother Definite (Quadri) Sardar's son from his second wife who looks up to his older brother but has ambitions of his own. Also thrown in is Perpendicular, Faizal's own younger brother who is a nuisance to the local vendors and uses his brother's clout to carry out one illegeal activity after another. How the final cards are laid and how Faizal settles the score is what the rest of the film is about.

I have always maintained that a bit of indulgence from the director is a good thing, but the GOW series is a bit too indulgent. There are times in the first film when it seems that kashyap just picked up the camera and forgot to say 'cut'. Thankfully, the second film is much faster. The second film covers a total of roughly 12 years and shifts effortlessly from one subplot to the other. If you put the two films together you will see a distinct change of pattern. All said and done technically the second film is far better than the first.

Story wise there is nothing new its your run of the mill family revenge saga that spans generations. Whats Kashyap does brilliantly is the screenplay. Agreed its painstakingly long, but it has some moments. He peppers the script with a lot of dark humor. In fact its probably one of the first gangster flicks where i have found myself laughing my guts out. The jokes range from suggestive to downright dirty. It helps bring out the backwardness of the society in which this film is set. The editing could have been much better. Frankly i dont see any reason why this film had to be 5 hours 20 minutes long and had to be broken in two parts. Maybe Kashyap didn't want to leave out anything. As i said - over indulgence.

Of the cast, Piyush Mishra has hardly any role in the second outing. Huma Qureshi and Richa Chadha turn in powerful acts. They really make a place for themselves in a film crowded with men. Dhulia is fabulous as Ramadhir Singh. He has shown his directorial skills with amazing films such as Haasil and Paan singh tomar as an actor too he is top notch. I'd love to see him act more. Zeishan Quadri plays definite which is arguably the most interesting character in the script. Its an unpredictable character and Quadri playes it with the ease of a pro. But undoubtedly the best performance (of the film and probably this year) comes from Nawazudding Siddique. Faizal Khan is literally brought to life by this very ordinary looking man. He impressed earlier with his stern act in Kahaani and in GOW he just sweeps you off your feet. He has the most expressive eyes and the grin in the climax is just too good. He shines in all scenes whether he is alone or with a host of other characters A particular favourite is the scene where Faizal breaks down in front of his wife. He deserves every award there is to take (at least, as of now)

All in all, GOW is an excellent film but weak compared to kashyap's other works. Its the most commercial venture he has ever helmed and he delivers a film that should be lapped up the audiences not only because it is technically sound but also because it provides enough masala for the average moviegoer. If not for anything, go watch the 5 ft 6 inch Siddique unleash magic on the screen.

Rating  - 8.0/10