Let the first thing be first. Is the new 'Don' worth watching in this festive season? This the question people in general and SRK fans in particular have been asking for a long. After the first 'Don' made by a new director Chandra Barot (he has been an assistant to Manoj Kumar in films like 'Shor' and 'Roti, Kapda Aur Makaan'), there have been at least three more films made on the same story; one each in Tamil, Telugu and Malayalam. If Rajnikant did the title role in 'Billa', it was N T Rama Rao to play this in Telugu and Mohan Lal in Malayalam.
Each movie proved a super hit and the leading actor in each became super star overnight. Now, it's a litmus test for Shah Rukh Khan in the wake of rumors that the film may not succeed at the box office. Director Farhan Akhtar makes his version of 'Don' that is meant for generation that's more akin to computers and special effects.
click for larger view
So, this 'Don' is more stylish, slicker and better-packaged version. Shah Rukh Khan may not get a standing ovation for once again playing a gray character but overall the film is value for your money. Though it is faced with a strong competition from another release titled 'Jaan-e-Mann' which is more family audience friendly (Director Shirish Kunder, husband of Farah Khan has done a marvelous job in this film), 'Don' will find its viewers in regular SRK fans and also in the followers of the 'Don' legacy.
click for larger view
And, if you thought that Farhan Akthar's 'Don' is completely a remake of the older one, please be careful. It's not what you have believed so far. The biggest difference is that today's 'Don' is still on the run and it is Vijay that dies in the film not the real 'Don'. Watch the climax carefully, and you will find it out. The film starts with 'Don' (Shah Rukh Khan) making his base in Malaysia and controlling the drug racket in South Asia.
Mallick wants him to rest in the bed and plants a street singer Vijay (SRK doing double role) in the criminal gang. Vijay works according to the plan and makes most of the people of drug cartel land up in the jail. In between, we have Jasjit (Arjun Rampal) vouching to take revenge from DCP Mallick for the death of his wife and abandoned child. Jasjit and Vijay meet up in the climax, only to learn that DCP Mallick is not what he pretends to be. Another twist in the original tale! Mallick manages in his bid to make people believe that he is killed but the fact is that he is underworld don Vardhan who wants to control the underworld.
click for larger view
Technically speaking, 'Don' is one of the finest films made in recent years in Hindi Cinema. It's at par with any Hollywood film. The mind-blowing special effects, accurately choreographed stunt scenes and the overall styling and packaging of the film are such that even if you know the story, your eyes are glued on the screen. Then he also plays a clever creator to change the original storyline by making original Don disappear in front of the police (it is learnt that SRK is planning to make a sequel to it). Farhan Akhtar has come of age as a director but he loses some points for not being able to build up 'Don's character.
click for larger view
The film has some very good scenes; one where Priyanka plans a rescue for Don in an ambulance. Even falling from the aeroplane is superbly done. The chase sequences are edge of the seat and so is the use of light and shadow in indoor and outdoor sequences. Farhan has played around the original characters but with a different approach. He follows the same path that Sanjay Leela Bhansali did in his version of 'Devdas'. The remake trend is here to stay more and all those who have been planning last rituals of a superstar will have to wait for some time more. The music except that of the title song is a major let down, else results could have been altogether different. The Kamini dance sequence 'Yeh mera dil..' done by Kareena (in original it was done by Helen) is very poorly done. Kareena couldn't exude the kind of seductiveness, as it was required of her. 'Don' belongs to Farhan Akhtar and none else. It is her baby and all the credit for this above average film should go to her.
click for larger view
Shah Rukh tries his best to match Amitabh Bachchan of the original, but mostly fails. He is a brilliant actor but with limited emotions. He remains Shah Rukh whatever may be the character and that is his biggest drawback as an actor. Priyanka Chopra does her part well but her role could have been established more appropriately. Isha Koppikar for the first time gets a full-length role in an A+ film. Boman Irani works brilliantly in a tough role. It's pleasant to see Arjun Rampal in the shoes of veteran actor Pran. He is not working in circus here but is a computer professional. He matches Don's wits and style. Locations and sets are a treat to watch. The film's length could have been a little shorter; "Khaike Paan Banaras wala .." song doesn't gel with Shah Rukh. On the whole, 'Don' doesn't disappoint SRK followers and it helps him to survive on screen for some more years .
