It is the age of remakes. First, it was with music and now with movies. Remakes are in no way an indication that Bollywood has run out of new ideas. As long as Hollywood survives, Indian filmmakers need not lose sleep over ‘inspiration’. Remakes at the best can be seen as post-modern interpretation of stories narrated decades ago. And when they come from intelligent people like Farhan Akhtar, one tends to sit up and notice.
Not withstanding the hype around Don from day one, or casting of SRK in AB’s stead as the legendary Don, the only reason I saw this film was Farhan Akhtar. Knowing his finesse and urbane thinking, this movie is a must-see for Farhan fans.
Whatever Farhan may say about not comparing his movie with the original a remake cannot escape comparisons and here’s my take on Don AB vis-à-vis Don SRK. AB’s suave looks, his cool penetrating gaze, inimitable style and persona made Don what it was. Scriptwriters had merely charted out his character but what made it life-like was AB’s charismatic personality. All this was of course missing in the remake. SRK could only smirk and give lop-sided smiles to show Don’s cruelty. His physique and personality are not meant to carry the image of Don. No doubt he has played villain in myriad movies, but Don required an extra something.
Maybe it was the times, or maybe it was a trick of direction, but every character in the original Don stood out in spite of AB’s towering presence and was imprinted on the public’s memory. Don’s aides Narang and Mac and the unbeatable Iffteqar Khan as the inspector had small parts to play but looked significant in the scheme of things. Exactly opposite is the effect in the new Don. ‘Big stars’ were made to play small roles. Clearly, Kareena Kapoor, Ishaa Koppikar and Om Puri are easily forgettable in the film. And so is the Don look-alike. SRK has outgrown his innocent looks. Combining North Indian comedy and rustic innocence did not work for him as it did for AB.
Priyanka Chopra was another surprise package. Noted for her acting skills and having won a filmfare for the best villain, a cold-faced performance was the least expected of her. Zeenat Aman had fire in her eyes as she portrayed the hurt and ‘roaring for revenge’ tigress in Don. She shows physical skills and intelligence when she masterminds a leak in Don’s brigade. But Priyanka is hardly a fighting, wild cat she is described. She does antics enough to fit into the image, but the fire is missing. Never does she look or feel hatred towards Don and at times she even stares lovingly at him. Her poise didn’t quite connect with her act of revenge.
Everything said and done about the original, this Don is a Farhan Akhtar movie and definitely has its golden moments. The best thing is the script. No, I’m not contradicting myself by commending the script of a remake. The original is used as the base and a whole new story is built around the same characters. The setting is changed and so are the incidents. Don remains sharp and deceptive but his foxiness is taken to another level altogether when he substitutes himself for the look-alike. Inspector D’Silva, a.k.a Boman Irani is superb as the intelligent cop who twists the tale. As usual his face is a mirror that reflects the characters he plays and their moods to a hilt. Undoubtedly the best choice for this role! Next in line of commendable performances is Arjun Rampal. His stony looks couldn’t have been put to better use. He is restrained, determined and sharp as Pran was in the original and does ample justice to his part.
Direction is at the very best in scenes like Don and his macho-man fighting in mid-air over a solitary parachute. Songs too are well picturised and changes in lyrics and beats are in line with the modern times. Important dialogues like ‘Don ko pakadna mushkil hi nahi, namumkin hai, ’ are retained but the delivery loses its impact. With AB this line was a style statement and an assertion, with SRK it is no more than a whisper. After Devdas and Don, SRK should take voice culture lessons before every remake.
Not worth the hype, but worth at least one watch. Don may not impress you but will definitely entertain you. Slick and sleek are adjectives here to stay with the present generation directors.
One last bit: Farhan certainly pays no dues to the age-old axiom of ‘good always triumphs over evil’. Moral police check out the end of Don once again.