FARHAN AKHTAR couldnt have got any more different wioth his latest offering DON : THE CHASE BEGINS AGAIN, which is supposedly a remake of the 70s blockbuster DON, but in reality is not. he has altered the script entirely and has given us a new film altogether. if seen critically, the film is better than the original version but is slow at times and also lacks its charisma which makes it pale a bit in comparison.
technically, the film is brilliant. the film is made stylish with a great sound design and split screen editing pattern. camera work has always been a high of akhtar’s films. what was a bit uncomfortable was the way even the characters’ names were retained inspite of changing their features completely. even some of the dialogues have been generously clinched creating a sense of deja vu. in a way, akhtar has cleverly adapted the original. he has changed the biggest shortcoming of his film i.e. the predictabilty into its biggest strength. the interval point leaves us intrigued and the climax is simply brilliant. akhtar’s execution was awesome.
what goes against the movie is its slow pace and lack of uninturrupted fun which might distract the masses who starve for hard core entertainment (though there are a few giggles popping out invariably, thanks to a few witty one liners). SHAH RUKH KHAN was as different from BIG B in his approach to the character of the sinister DON from BIG B as a chalk from a cheese. he suited the role very well and didnt remind me even a single time of amitabh. but it doesnt seem to have cut any ice with the majority of the audience.
PRIYANKA CHOPRA is passable while BOMAN IRANI is very good. the rest of the cast is just average. the MUSIC is nice and helpfully doesnt disrupt the goings-on. if seen altogether, akhtar has made a commendable film with a memorable performance from SRK and a few stunning moments.
P.S.
one is not necessarily a crazy SRK fan when he says he adored him in and as DON. SRK was genuinely a good change to be seen playing a gangster so stylishly well with a great panache.
one point for those who think BIG B was much better than SRK as DON. if SRK would have attempted to act like AMITABH, you would say he is just imitating him and when he tried to do it differently, you say he is no match to AB snr. for those who think SRK is repetitive, let me remind you all that even BIG B was quite monotonous till 45. he mostly played the same angry young man stuff for more than 15 years. but no one is seen complaining there. thats is because BIG B had the ability to lure the masses and so does SRK.
It is such a pity to see SRK panned so badly even when he has tries some unconventional roles in th recent past like ASOKA, KABHI ALVIDA NA KEHNA, PAHELI, SWADES, and DON.
also one is not anti BIG B if he says all this. AMITABH BACHCHAN is the most enticing personality on indian cellulod ever. his energy at the age of 64 is unbelievable. he was overpowering in BLACK, DEEWAR and is one of the most versatile performers. just a point need to made that SRK is no lesser than him and needs to be applauded for carrying off the role so well and living up to the expectations one has from him.