Oct 22, 2006 11:48 AM
1628 Views
When Farhan Akhtar was asked what was the one thing about Lakshya that he would’ve liked to change, he replied saying……THE AUDIENCE. Lakshya turned out to be a cult movie. Ahead of its time, real and in brilliant form of film making. Thus, it did not gain the box office support that it had to because India wasn’t as mature as then. But now, after Black, RDB, Iqbal, Dor, KANK and the likes, we suppose the audience has matured and directors can start experimenting. Alas, Farhan Akhtar’s DON is ahead of THIS time too!
Too soon to conclude but if he did have to change one thing about DON, it would definitely be the audience.
Comparisons will be made against 1978’s DON of Amitabh Bachchan to no avail because this DON has only a few similarities to share with its predecessor. Namely, the character names, dialogues and music. Maybe the basis of the story too. Thankfully, Farhan adds his distinctive touch to it. He makes DON glamourous, cool, slick, thrilling, intriguing and yes, sexy. This would be a‘re-makeOVER’ of DON if he didn’t add his story telling and directional talent to it. Farhan changes so many aspects of the story that the movie doesn’t remain what it was. Apart from the appearance, the substance is now much more intriguing and has a lot more twists and depth into its characters. One who watches DON as a product instead of a re-make will come out of the theatres saying, ‘kya films banata hai yaar yeh aadmi!!’ instead of ‘sheh! Isme toh pehle ke DON jaisa kuch nahi tha!’
Let’s get to business shall we? It’s best not to deal with the story because most of us know about the original one and whatever is new and different in this one is best untold ;)
ShahRukh Khan emerges as the King yet again, after critics shunned him after his previous films and he lacked a solo performance that would kick ass. Here he is, playing the astute, menacing DON and a humble, simpleton Vijay. SRK’s performance is laudable when one has Big B’s persona in mind as DON. He keeps to his own style and adds his own magic in performance and brings out unique shades of the character. If anyone could’ve pulled it off, it had to be him. SRK looks cool as DON and he seems to have worked very hard for the action sequences and dances. His dialogue delivery and composed performance is a huge level up from the negative he played in DUPLICATE. SRK fans shall rejoice now.
Boman Irani has the second biggest role and what a role it is! He is such a good actor and this role proves his versatility like none other. His performance is something to cherish. There are a few surprises that his role of DCP De’silva has and everytime he comes on screen, he demands attention.
Priyanka has moved up a step after Krrish and she looks much better this time. Kareena sizzles in Yeh Mera Dil with her own style and sex appeal, different from the legendary HELEN. Isha Kopikar is perhaps the best looker this time. Not much of a role for her but she’ll remember it more than us.
Om Puri isn’t really wasted because his role demanded only so much of him but he’s as usual, perfect. Farhan has extracted the most out of the rest of the cast as well.
Musically, this DON is more of techno in many songs especially Khaike paanwhere Udit Narayan is a saving grace in an otherwise re-mixed number.
Yeh Mera Dilis a job done well by Mahalaxmi as she adds her seductive voice which was most essential.
Shankar himself sings Moriya Moriya which is a mass appeal song but well choreographed. The two songs that stand out in this album are the title song and Aaj ki raat. These have great music and beats. The title song is different from the original and in a good way. It is menacingly dark yet rocking. Aaj ki raat is like the 70’s disco song. Brilliant singing and beats will make it a memorable number.
The background music is a recreation but it truly stands out. The placement in the film is super and this is where Shankar Ehsaan & Loy have given their best in the film.
Technically, the film has set a new benchmark…. Exemplary cinematography, thrilling and jaw dropping action sequences (so what if some of them are inspired from familiar films?), excellent screenplay, sexy costumes, cool sets and spectacular locations. Everything from the clothes to guns, to cars, to locales, to the sky diving action, chase sequences, martial arts and songs; every reel of this film displays slickness, refinement, freshness and a style of film making not witnessed before in India. The last 5 minutes of the film are shocking to say the least.
Farhan Akhtar’s direction is impeccable and his treatment is just remarkable. DONcould be remade but as a completely different product and so adroitly packaged, that it becomes such a distinct entity, is a superb feat. Distinct style, international treatment and superlative story-telling is his trademark.
DON,even in 2006 is a little ahead of its time. People will realize this, just like they did after Lakshya.
DON makes a superb entertainer and a film to be cherished like all of Farhan’s films.
Just go for it with an open mind, without any intention of comparing it with the previous DON and you’ll come out loving DON and SRK and Farhan for their laudable effort. And if you’ve not even seen the previous DON, ohhhoo!! You’re in for a cool treat!
- 9.327 on a scale of 1-10.
