The story starts in flashback with an old Jaswant Singh Randhawa aka Jassa (Jimmy Sheirgill) on wheelchair playing the narrator to his son who has come to avenge his mother’s murder at Jassa’s hands many years ago. What unfolds is a tale of betrayal, retribution and misunderstandings that have resulted in blood bath for both the families of Jassa and his stepbrother, Gurbaz (Dev Kharoud). The story is the master stroke in Shareek 2- it is riveting, compelling and intriguing, crediting its writer. Weaving the age-old battle of the land in Punjab, that has infamously divided families since centuries, the film is not touching a new subject, yet it is delivering this subject to audiences draped in unpredictable intrigue. Doing complete justice to this drama are actors Jimmy, Dev and Sharan Kaur who essays Rupi. Jimmy has made an appearance in Punjabi cinema after a few years, and what a comeback! His nuanced acting as the patriarch of the rightful Randhawa clan and the gravity he brings to Jassa, playing between a loving husband and a man resorting to honour killing, is majestic. His portrayal of Jassa is a stark reminder of why we need him more frequently in Punjabi films. Playing yet another grey shade is Dev Kharoud who has so easily turned audiences from hatred for Gurbaz to sympathy, as he straddles the changes his character undergoes while playing a son seeking harsh revenge, to a true lover who forgives his lady even when she is poisoning him. Dev maybe repeating the intensity of his previous roles, something he has become a master of, but in this film his variations of role are worth noticing.
The only (surprisingly) villainous character in Shareek 2 is Mukul Dev who plays the shakuni chacha and never lets the fire die down between the two stepbrothers. Kudos to Mukul for keeping the intrigue going in the plot without really giving away what his next moves will be.
Sharan is a newbie to Punjabi films, yet in Shareek 2 she has matured beyond her years and experience as she deftly handles Rupi’s role which is pivotal to the hatred between the brothers. Amar Noori who plays Gurbaz’ mother deserves a special applause for portraying the pathos of a wife not given a legit place by society. Yograj Singh’s share in the Shareek 2 pie maybe short as he plays Bhupinder Singh Randhawa, yet his presence is an unmissable treat.
The music, which is compelling and profound, adds to the attractive narration of the story, keeping the tenor of somberness alive.
In the end, Shareek 2 belongs to director Navaniat Singh for having tastefully adapted a tale from Punjab’s heartland with a sound technical hand and strong editing. Whoever doubts Punjabi industry lacks content, should go and watch this film.
