SRK pays just tribute to Big B’s Don
20 October 2006 | Movies, Movie Reviews | No Comments
The new Don is not what you expect. It kicks off with a dramatic shot of a swanky Paris bistro: Shah Rukh Khan's flat cellphone rings singsongedly, he flips it open and we look at his lips up close as one of the most wanted men alive answers his mobile with a 'Don.' There is no conversation, no drugs-money-murder order. No, this icon for cocaine trafficking across Asia says his name into the phone, snaps on designer sunglasses and walks out leaving a heavy tip — and the restaurant unharmed.
So is it all about the style, the slickness? An insubstantial story supplemented by sophisticated visuals and affluent gadgets? Not quite, because it isn't stylish enough. Khan wears his neckties under his shirts, and that's as fashionably groundbreaking as this movie gets. The thrills too are served cold, as if Farhan is eager to skim over them to get to memorable lines or his own alterations. And while it's fine to have a Hollywood hangover — Akhtar obviously owns Kill Bill, Face/Off, Scarface and Con Air on DVD — the end result is oddly tacky, despite being expensive.
In Don, watching Shah Rukh Khan and Boman Irani in a long car chase leaves you quite cold. All the action setpieces are oddly thanda, and resolve themselves in a far too convenient, filmi fashion. There are bits handled with great finesse, but so few and far between there isn't much to be applauded. Malaysia Tourism might enjoy most of the visuals, but there isn't really much for us to wow over — Bollywood today is used to a slicker, more compelling action film.
Priyanka Chopra is the film's big surprise. Stepping into Zeenat Aman's shoes is a tough ask, but she doesn't really waste time pretending to be the stunner's successor. Chopra handles her role with efficiency, looking every bit the competent woman of action — and a ravishing babe who fills out a skintight white jumpsuit deliciously. Roma is a hard part to play, but Priyanka has a no-nonsense air about her throughout the film. This is an actress willing to push herself, and has definite potential for screen magic. Not to mention a great smile. ….read more
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