Don

Swanky looks, Malaysian locations, new twists in the plot means the new DON is not exactly the same DON of Mr. Bachchan we have admired for years. As was expected, Farhan has come up with his own new style of telling the same old story (well almost the same)!
The biggest plus as well as minus for the film is that it is remake of DON. Admittedly the old DON was not a legendary film; a classic neverthless. The story was not, even at that time, a very original one, as it was just an extension of an old Shammi Kapoor film, which itself was inspired from a hollywood flick. But what stood out was the way the story was told and of course the Big B factor. Remaking it is bound to raise some eyebrows; the comparison a near certainty.
So does SRK's DON stand its ground? Well, it almost does. For those who haven't seen the former flick, the new DON is certainly full of entertainment- a thriller with lots of twists & turns, the magnificent Malaysia, the chase on the bridge of Patrona's twin towers, some good action sequences, especially the car chase.
But for worshippers of original DON, the film proves a bit of disappointment. The big difference is of course the absence of Mr. Bachchan. SRK, one must be fair, tries his best; but falls way short of even nearing Big B. At places, he loses the bearing of the character, which Amitabh had shouldered so effortlessly. Yes, SRK looks stylish, much more contemporary, but to be frank, does not fit in the shoes of Big B. Still can't blame Farhan for casting him for there aren't any actors around which could have provided better alternatives for this particular role.
The cinematography is jaunty, editing crisp. Direction is above average; though script could have been better. Few songs seem to be misplaced, especially 'Khaike pan...'. Shankar Ehsaan Loy have done a decent job with couple of new numbers. The fresh touch to old songs like 'ye mera dil' does not look out of place.
SRK, as I said, tries his best to be the new contemporary DON. Priyanka Chopra, like Zeenat, has not got any opportunity to show her acting talents. But she does not look out of place any time. Boman Irani is at ease in his different character. Others have no significant exposure.
In all, a film worth watching for its own style. And by the way, Kareena can never be the Helen.

 

 

Plus Points: The new twists in the tale.
Farhan's own style of story-telling.
Lush locations.
Jazzy Camerawork.

 

Minus Points: Shahrukh Khan.
The Script (could have been better).