Newly written and fact-checked at this article’s original address. Promotional photographs and media are not reproduced.
Key facts
- Release: 22 February 2013
- Director: Anand Kumar
- Producer: Vinod Bachan
- Leads: Sanjay Dutt, Arshad Warsi, Vivek Oberoi
- Music: Amjad–Nadeem; two tracks by Bappa Lahiri
- Reception: Mixed to negative reviews
Zila Ghaziabad is a 2013 Hindi political action film directed by Anand Kumar and produced by Vinod Bachan. It stars Sanjay Dutt, Arshad Warsi and Vivek Oberoi, and is based on gang rivalries in Ghaziabad, on the eastern edge of Delhi, during the 1980s and 1990s. The title means "Ghaziabad district". It was released on 22 February 2013.
This page replaces an old CareerMasti gallery of Zila Ghaziabad stills and wallpapers, which ScoopWhoop credited as a picture source in its feature on Bollywood stars who have also worked in regional-language cinema. The original promotional images belong to the producers and are not reproduced here.
The story
Brahmapal Choudhary, a corrupt local chairman played by Paresh Rawal, has long relied on the gangster Fauji, played by Arshad Warsi. When Brahmapal refuses to pay for Fauji's sister's wedding, the two fall out. At the same time Brahmapal befriends Satbir, a polite schoolteacher played by Vivek Oberoi, who is in love with his daughter Suman. Believing he has been replaced, Fauji joins Brahmapal's political rival Rashid, played by Ravi Kishan. As violence escalates and Satbir is drawn into the conflict, a tough, unorthodox police officer, Pritam Singh, played by Sanjay Dutt, is sent to bring the district under control.
Cast
Sanjay Dutt, Arshad Warsi and Vivek Oberoi led the cast, with Paresh Rawal, Ravi Kishan, Charmy Kaur, Minissha Lamba and Sunil Grover in major roles. Shriya Saran made a special appearance, and Geeta Basra appeared in the item number "Baap Ka Maal".
The film brought together actors from several film industries. Ravi Kishan is one of the biggest stars of Bhojpuri cinema, and Charmy Kaur, who played Suman, was best known for her Telugu films. That mix is why the film featured in discussions of actors who move between Hindi and regional-language cinema.
| Actor | Character |
|---|---|
| Sanjay Dutt | Pritam Singh, police officer |
| Arshad Warsi | Fauji, gangster |
| Vivek Oberoi | Satbir, schoolteacher |
| Paresh Rawal | Brahmapal Choudhary, chairman |
| Ravi Kishan | Rashid, Brahmapal's rival |
| Charmy Kaur | Suman, Brahmapal's daughter |
| Minissha Lamba | Supporting role |
| Sunil Grover | Supporting role |
| Shriya Saran | Special appearance |
Music
The soundtrack was composed by Amjad–Nadeem, with Bappa Lahiri, son of Bappi Lahiri, composing two tracks, "Tu Hain Rab Mera" and "Chamiya No. 1". Lyrics were by Shabbir Ahmed.
Reception
Zila Ghaziabad received mostly negative to mixed reviews. Critics praised the performances of Arshad Warsi and Sanjay Dutt and some action sequences, but found the film loud and the script weak. Taran Adarsh of Bollywood Hungama gave it 2.5 stars, and Koimoi gave it two.
The real history
The film was presented as inspired by true events: a long-running feud between rival gangs in the Ghaziabad area in the 1980s and 1990s, a period when the fast-growing district on Delhi's border saw land disputes and political rivalries turn violent. The film's characters are fictionalised, and it should not be read as an accurate account of named individuals or events.
Frequently asked questions
When was Zila Ghaziabad released?
On 22 February 2013.
Who directed Zila Ghaziabad?
Anand Kumar. Vinod Bachan produced the film.
Who played the police officer?
Sanjay Dutt played Pritam Singh, the officer sent to end the gang war.
Is Zila Ghaziabad based on a true story?
It was described as inspired by real gang rivalries in Ghaziabad in the 1980s and 1990s, but its characters and events are fictionalised.
Who played Fauji in Zila Ghaziabad?
Arshad Warsi.
Who composed the music of Zila Ghaziabad?
Amjad–Nadeem, with Bappa Lahiri composing "Tu Hain Rab Mera" and "Chamiya No. 1".
How was Zila Ghaziabad reviewed?
Mostly mixed to negative: critics praised Arshad Warsi and Sanjay Dutt but found the script weak. Bollywood Hungama gave it 2.5 stars.