In recent times, anti-corruption crusades have become par for the course. But, it seems, the more we fight against corruption, the more we get sucked into its murky waters. Having arranged a special screening for social crusader Anna Hazare before its release, Gali Gali Chor Hai had high expectations attached to it. But after a few decent opening sequences, the film falls flat and fails to be provocative as demanded by the storyline.

Besides, where there is so much entertainment competing for the audience’s attention, filmmakers have to push the envelope, especially since they are aiming to attract a paying audience. Instead, both the writer and the director seem to have taken the audience for granted.

A politician wants a room in the home of a bank cashier Bharat (Akshaye Khanna) to set up his election office in a Bhopal locality. Bharat lives with his father (Satish Kaushik), wife (Shriya Saran) and a paying guest (Mughda Godse). When Bharat refuses, the politician influences the cops to harass him in a rather out-of-the-ordinary manner: Bharat must bribe the police to get back a table fan, which was allegedly stolen from his house. Bharat is also a cashier by day and part of a play where he portrays Hanuman, and he is in a fix between bizarre and wacky predicaments revolving around corruption.

Before you know it, Bharat is sucked into the whirlpool of the corrupt system by a cop (Annu Kapoor) who clearly has been set by the politician. Though the story is unique, what works here, to an extent, is the screenplay.

Director Rumi Jaffrey, who returns with an unconventional film, fails to impress. The lack of comic punches and the dull settings of the sub-plot work against the film. Editing is another drawback. Cinematography is average. Background score and music are apt.

Performance-wise, Akshaye Khanna plays his part well and stays true to his character. Shriya Saran does justice to her role. Mughda Godse not only needs to work on her acting skills but also on her look and make-up. Annu Kapoor as a corrupt cop plays his part with panache. Satish Kaushik provides many light moments but at times goes over the top. Vijay Raaz has very little scope. The rest of the cast fit the bill.

Verdict: Disaster