Sanju & Sallu Returns Album Review: BAGI MUNDA & JASSA Bring Back the Anti-Hero Energy

BAGI MUNDA and JASKARAN are back with their highly anticipated sequel, Sanju & Sallu Returns — a follow-up to their 2023 collab album Sanju & Sallu, which quickly gained cult status among fans.

The new album dropped on April 10, 2025, but those in Chandigarh got an early taste thanks to a pre-release listening session held on 9th April at Social, Elante.

I was lucky enough to attend, and although the venue was intimate and the crowd relatively small, the energy in the room was electric from the moment the first beat dropped.

Right off the bat, BAGI commanded attention. His presence was magnetic, and he knew exactly how to move the crowd — confident, composed, and charismatic.

Jaskaran, in contrast, stayed quieter, not engaging much with the audience. Yet, that worked in his favor — because when your music speaks that loudly, you don’t need to say much. He let his art do all the talking.

And honestly, I’ll keep saying this — Jaskaran is the future of Indian music. His pen game is sharp, his melodies hit deep, and the versatility he brings to every track is rare. There’s no doubt in my mind: in a few years, he’ll be performing in sold-out arenas, and we’ll all remember when we first saw it coming.

Moving to the album itself, Sanju & Sallu Returns follows the same structure as its predecessor, with seven tracks — five produced by dox and the remaining two by Fatboi Racoon. The production quality throughout is polished, with Circle Tone doing an excellent job on the mix and master, ensuring each track hits with clarity and depth.

Thematically, the album leans into the “anti-hero” archetype — inspired by Bollywood icons Salman Khan and Sanjay Dutt. Both actors are complicated, controversial, yet adored by the masses, and that duality forms the emotional core of this project.

Interestingly, it also reflects the creative chemistry between BAGI, Jaskaran, and dox — three artists who don’t chase perfection but rather embrace their raw, unfiltered selves.

The opening track, “Animal,” which was also released as a single on March 28, sets the tone for everything that follows. It’s a bar-heavy track where both artists go back and forth, flexing their lyrical muscles. The punchlines are clever, memorable, and sure to get a reaction. A couple of standout lines include:

“Ikko kudi gall kardi ae jida naam Alexa ae”

“Life meri Popeye, paisa mera Palak hai”

Not only does this song serve as a proper introduction to the album’s vibe, but the accompanying video is already performing well, giving fans something to replay and quote.

Track two, “Reminder,” taps into that familiar post-breakup energy — part bravado, part bitterness — that many men raised in patriarchal spaces will relate to. With its old-school bounce, catchy beat, and even a reference to Ch**t Vol. 1, it leans into the classic “talk your shit” format.

But by the end, there’s a subtle shift. The tone becomes more introspective, almost self-aware — like the artists are hinting at the emotional weight behind all the noise. It’s not just a diss track; it’s a glimpse into the tension between ego and vulnerability. And that’s what makes it more interesting than it first appears.

Just as “Reminder” fades out with that conflicted mood, “Hathiyara” kicks the door back open. The energy shifts sharply — this one comes in bold and unfiltered. From the first bar, the track commands attention with its infectious hook and high-impact beat.

Jaskaran is in top form here, delivering razor-sharp verses with precision and style. While BAGI holds his own, there’s no denying that Jaskaran steals the spotlight on this one, making it one of the album’s most memorable moments.

Up next is “Hawala,” a more mellow and laid-back track. What stands out here is the vocal texture given to BAGI’s hook, which adds a subtle but effective touch. While the track doesn’t necessarily aim to be a standout, it plays its role well in maintaining the album’s pacing and vibe.

Then comes “Big Time,” the first track produced by Fatboi Racoon. Unfortunately, this one doesn’t quite hit the mark. BAGI’s flow at the beginning feels a little flat, and the track, despite a few good moments, doesn’t leave much of a lasting impression. Even after multiple listens, it still feels like it’s missing that spark.

But just when it seems like the energy might be fading, Nehar arrives — and it completely changes the mood. This is one of the most emotionally resonant tracks on the album. It’s introspective and honest, with BAGI and Jaskaran both peeling back layers.

BAGI’s hook fits the tone perfectly, and his vocals are some of his best on the project. The name itself — Nehar, meaning a canal or stream — captures the essence of quiet reflection. This is the kind of song you play when you’re sitting by the water, thinking about life.

Jaskaran’s verses here are raw and deeply personal. He doesn’t dress things up or try to sound overly emotional for the sake of reach. He keeps it real — and that’s what makes it even better. A few standout lines:

“Har pyaar ki hove naa guarantee, fans or hater mein zyaada farak nahi”

“Bohot bada dil kalakaar ka, tenu mile gaa nahi dil kalakaar ka”

“Chaar mithi gal ke peeche, kapde utaarta nahi”

These lines don’t just sound good — they feel true. That honesty is what sets them apart.

Finally, the album wraps up with “Deewana,” which brings everything to a strong close. It has a cinematic quality, with a rich, layered beat and a hook that sticks. Both BAGI and Jaskaran bring full energy to this one.

Final Thoughts

Sanju & Sallu Returns may not be flawless — but it doesn’t need to be. What makes this album stand out is its authenticity. It leans into its imperfections, just like the anti-heroes it draws inspiration from.

While a couple of tracks don’t quite hit the mark, the highs easily outweigh the lows. The chemistry between BAGI and Jaskaran continues to grow stronger with each project. More importantly, Jaskaran once again proves why he’s one of the most compelling voices in Punjabi music right now.

And of course, a major shoutout to dox for the stellar production. As BAGI said during the listening session — without him, Jaskaran, or dox, this album simply wouldn’t be complete.