Review: ‘Gali Gali Chor Hai’ deals with common man

Zeenews Bureau

Bollywood has seldom come with a film based on the trials and tribulations of the common man. Given the fact that cinema is the reflection of society, the anti-corruption wave led by Gandhian Anna Hazare made some filmmakers realize their greater role in society, who have decided to come out with films that both entertain and send across a strong message to society. Director Rumy Jafry is one such filmmaker whose film deals with the dilemma of the common man. Starring Akshaye Khanna, Shriya Saran, Mugdha Godse, Satish Kaushik and Annu Kapoor, ‘Gali Gali Chor Hai’ is a light-hearted yet realistic take on everyman. ‘Gali Gali Chor Hai’ revolves around the life of Bharat (Akshaye Khanna), a bank cashier who plays part time Hanuman in the local Ram Leela. Happily married to Nisha (Shriya Saran), Bharat lives with his father Shivnarayan (Satish Kaushik). Things are fine until one day Bharat refuses to offer his home for political campaign of a local politician (Murli Sharma), whose younger brother (Amit Mistry) creates ruckus and gets Bharat embroiled in a controversy. ‘Gali Gali Chor Hai’ revolves around corruption and Bharat champions the cause of the common man, who takes up the cudgels to fight for justice. In the film, Hanuman becomes the metaphor and metonym of common man as Bharat takes on the corrupt system. The film highlights the dilemma of common man who is neck deep in corruption, frantically trying to seek justice. In ‘Gali Gali Chor Hai’, Akshaye has tremendous screen presence; he brings raw energy to his common man act which is instantly relatable. Akshaye is brilliant as Bharat and Shriya comes across as a demure beauty. Mugdha hardly gets any chance to show her acting talents. Veena Malik’s item number looks out of place and at times gross. There are a few digressions in the film when it tries to focus on dirty politics but it’s the powerful performances and engaging storyline that brings life to ‘Gali Gali Chor Hai’. The film champions the cause of common man in the middle-class milieu, something that makes it realistic and more relatable. Ratings: Three cheers for this one!