Film review: 'Zila Ghaziabad' is out of sync

Film: Zila Ghaziabad
Rating: *1/2

Each time a genre or a trend works at the box-office, film makers rub their hands in glee hoping they can replicate the  magical formula to lure ticket goers into watching their cinema. This is the exact same sentiment with which director Anand Kumar makes Zila Ghaziabad.

The film ticks ever possible box on the ‘been-there-seen-that’ check list. Lets have the mandatory cop (Sanjay Dutt) who apes Salman Khan’s often imitated but never duplicated Dabanggesque dance moves. Bring in  Paresh Rawal to lend some credibility to the acting quotient. Thrown in an item song since the story is set up north (ever since Shilpa Shetty claimed domination over UP, Bihar) and add a bunch of familiar faces (Arshad Warsi, Vivek Oberoi, Minisha Lamba, Chandrachur Singh) to the frame.

Supposedly based on the real life clashes of the Gujjar clan in the early days of a  lawless Ghaziabad, the film is full of cliches and twists and turns that have past their prime.The first half focuses on establishing the key characters and letting us know who the warring groups are. The dynamics change mid-way leading to a climax that looks like a scene from a B- grade 80’s film. Being an action film, the fight sequences have nothing new to offer.  Sanjay Dutt blows punches to the goons who fly into air, tossing and tumbling defying gravity at every kick. Dialogues might have the Ghaziabadi accent , but they lack the flavor or authenticity. While the premise had some scope , it is the lazy writing that prevents it from flourishing.

Sanjay Dutt tries to look menacing but ends up as a cardboard caricature of himself. Vivek Oberoi makes a sincere attempt to salvage some life into his half baked character. Arshad Warsi looks totally out of sync in his role and sleep walks through most of the scenes. Paresh Rawal and Divya Dutta  are the only sparks that light up an otherwise dull frame.

Zila Ghaziabad might boast a big ensemble cast, but numbers can’t make up for the poor execution and weak screenplay. Watch it only if you crave for a mediocre Dabangg or Rowdy Rathore wannabe!