Film
Don - The Chase Begins Again
Jaan-e-mann
Director
Farhan Akhtar. The man has made a path breaking 'Dil Chahta Hai' and a mixed bag 'Lakshya'. For all the merits and demerits of both his films, one can't deny the fact that he has attempted to present something new every time. His films have boasted of big stars and 'Don' is no exception. Also, he is one of the rare newcomer directors to attempt three completely different genres. In addition, he has gone all out to speak about his film.
Shirish Kunder. The underdog. Not a single soul has any clue about what to expect from him. He could go the Karan Johar way [as in KKHH] or fall down as one of those wannabe candy-floss dream merchants. With an editing experience to boost, one sees the chances of the latter happening to be minimal. Unlike Farhan, Shirish has come across as someone shy by keeping mum and let the cast and crew folks do the talking.
Music
Shankar Ehsaan Loy must have really known what they were getting into. They do it well; they will be in the ring. They don't, they would still be. In a situation where it was difficult to break out of the loose-loose shackles, they have done quite well to come up with a chartbuster retro score. Top sales of the album since the release is a testimony of the fact.
Anu Malik was at his worst phase in last decade when 'Jaan-e-Mann' came to him. He had a point to prove and hasn't he done that with style? Taking a complete switch from conventional compositions, he has gone all out in letting his heart do the talking and has come up with a soulful score that would be remembered for years to come. A winning soundtrack for the team.
Starcast
SRK, Now that's good enough for the film to be sold to an audience. With Priyanka, Kareena, Isha, Arjun, Boman and Chunky as a part of the team, it is indeed a lethal combination. SRK has recently delivered a hit in the form of KANK and Don should only get him a potential sole hero superhit before 2006 closes.
Akshay Kumar is at the best phase of his career while Salman has consistently enjoyed a loyal following. With Preity Zinta being a quick inclusion for a romantic flick like this, the starcast seems all perfect. It's hard to imagine someone not looking forward to the three coming together on screen,
Plot
Do we need to say anything more on this? Nevertheless, be prepared for some major twists and turns with a shocking climax to boost. And don't say that we didn't warn you beforehand!
Nope. It is certainly not going to be a conventional love story as indicated by the title. With the film traveling time over the years and looks of each of the three actors changing in a big way in every episode, there is some intriguing feel to the whole plot. Romance with fun, comedy, drama and emotions? Recipe for a good family entertainer.
Strength
SRK in a double role, with one of them being negative. Slick look that matches international standards. Funky music. Acceptability factor due to basic plot being known. People associated with the film claiming it to be one of the best 'masala' flicks being made.
Pyaar, mohabbat, hasi, mazaak, thodi khushi, thoda gham, kuch nazuk pal ' in sum, a film that packs all this and more for audience to have a rocking time at theatres this festive season. Bollywood has conventionally accepted such films with both arms and the film has to be simply BAD not to progress further on word of mouth.