There is definite peril in revisiting a classic and giving it that personalised touch. First and foremost, you risk the outcome by 'tampering' with a hugely successful product. Then comes the sheer burden of legacy that can't be offloaded easily the obvious comparisons with the original lead star whose fortunes took a giant leap catapulting him to stardom, the chartbusting music, trend-setting dialogues or cracker of a script.
Chandra Barot's Don had it all, everything that could entice the swinging 1970s generation. Take a look at it from the GenX point of view and one could recall that the characters, their mannerisms and style are often caricatured by the likes of MTV. A worthy remake to reach out to the younger audience makes sense but, at the same time, chances of encountering cynics in far greater numbers are overwhelming.
Don: Rediff Review 1 | 2
Cut to Farhan Akhtar's Don, the slick and stylish avatar of the yesteryear's thriller offers more than just mundane old wine in a new bottle. Treading at the same breakneck pace as its predecessor, this one kicks off with new-age Don (Shah Rukh Khan), as suave as ever, busting his enemies. Only this time, we have picturesque Paris as the backdrop instead of the rustic locales.
Don's faithful aide Narang (Pawan Malhotra) and Anita (Isha Koppikar) are part of his inner circle. Roma (Priyanka Chopra) earns his trust only to avenge her brother's death. DCP De Silva (Boman Irani) is in hot pursuit of Don and his cronies with an Interpol officer (Om Puri) giving him stiff competition. We also have JJ (Arjun Rampal) who is hunting for De Silva's head, a role that had Pran hamming to glory. Don is finally captured and dies in custody. His look-alike, Vijay, is sent as a mole by the DCP to destroy Don's empire. DCP gets killed and Vijay's true identity is lost forever.
Until the end of the first half, Don suffers from the obvious -- comparison pangs and predictability. One can't help correlating scenes with the original. The second half scores high in terms of entertainment value, compared to the first. Although the movie follows the original faithfully, it has certain twists in the plot that will keep the audience guessing. But it is the climax that earns it brownie points.
The makeover gives it a fresh new feel, and is commendable. The locales, cars, costumes and background score are all overhauled to near perfection. Don is portrayed as a meaner, more ruthless being. Roma, thankfully, is already a master in martial arts unlike Zeenat Aman's character who does an unbelievable crash course to seek revenge. DCP De Silva's character has more depth to it and JJ as a biometric expert is more believable than the tight-rope walking artist played by Pran. The Red Diary is replaced by a CD, and the police van from which Don escapes is now an aeroplane!
Shah Rukh plays Vijay with finesse; his dialogue delivery and comic timing are worth applauding. However, one could get glimpses of Manu Dada (Duplicate) and Ram Jaane in his portrayal of Don. But, if there is any actor who can fit into the heavy shoes of Amitabh and still walk without stumbling, it is SRK. Watch out for him in Khaike Paan . to believe it!
Boman Irani has a meaty and terrific role to boast about and he does it full justice. Priyanka Chopra and Arjun Rampal deliver decent performances; Om Puri is effective in his small role, while Kareena sizzles in her dance number.
The editing and cinematography are also slick. The music by Shanker-Ehsaan-Loy is notable, particularly for the very 1980s-like funk number Aaj ki Raat. The background score is very techno and gels well with the movie's pace. Action set pieces are great to watch.
Overall, Don pays rich tribute to the 1970s version and proves to be a worthy successor largely due to the second half, improved screenplay, characterisation, visuals, neat packaging and twist in the plot. Farhan Akhtar proves, yet again, that he is one of the best in the business. Don't let the cynic in you have a field day and you will find lots to feel good about in this new-age remake.
-- Arun Ganesh, 25, is currently based in Gurgaon and works in the India branch of a telecommunications multinational company.
