Recently, I had the misfortune of sitting through the movie 'Dabangg'. We were gullible. We fell into the PR and marketing web weaved by the film makers. It just does not live up to all that hype and hoopla - Not even remotely close.

Firstly, the script turns out to be a damp squib - somewhat hollow and lacking in creativity. Much like a dish hastily put together that is not particularly delectable. A fusion of unscrupulous local politics and a glorified family fued (there seems to be no worthy reason as to why the fued should amplify, but to drag the movie on). An item number is also squeezed in that could have been done without. Further, it leaves you with a touch of antuquity. In a stark contrast, Peepli [Live] that is shot entirely in a country setup, and has a rural dialect does not leave you with such a taste. Perhaps, this is because of the lack of stuff in the script.

Secondly, Sallu's style does not carry the movie too far - contrary to what the makers would have expected. As for the stunts, the bar has already been set very high by none other than Rajani Sir; anybody else, it can only be an attempt to imitate at best. Also, you wont fail to notice The Matrix slow motion stunt being plagiarized by yet another flick.

However, few things stand out in an otherwise hollow production - some RoI to be content with. Sonu Sood (who plays Chhedi Singh) deserves a pat on the back - an almost impeccable performance. Could we forget the fresh face - one that is as fresh as the morning dew! An oasis in a desert (not a mirage) ;-) She manages to spell her sensuous magic and compensate for the lesser dialog space allocated to her.

From the box office perspective, it seems to have raked in big moolah. In fact, posting record earnings in the opening week itself. Quite contrary to what I had to say. In the end -- one might say -- the box office success is all that matters, who cares if it bores the audiences to death!