I watch few movies at theatre. Don 2 was always on the list. Who would skip the escapades of Don as “Don ko pakadna mushkil hi nahi…NAMUMKIN HAI…he he he he” ? It began with an expected scene..lots of big goons planning some mischief…here the mission was to kill DON.
I don’t know if its a major disparity in the Amitabh flick and Shahrukh’s versions are that new DON is always on the hit list of criminals, rather than insipid POLICE. The ploy of DON to reach the weaknesses of his enemy is beautifully unfolded. Too many exotic locations give it a feel of BOND movie, only certain shocking elements like a plastic item number by Ayesha, legal actions defying logic, an unnecessary skin show by Roma (Interpol) and an unreasonable love chemistry between the ‘Dog’ and his ‘wild cat’ author fails to understand.
It is certain that the brand DON is here to stay…to be seen is if Farhan gives next movie the name of DON 3 or doesn’t include DON in it. Shahrukh has exceeded limits in acting prowess, fight sequences and justified his not so muscular physique by getting beaten up by Vardhan and more particularly, Jabbar. DON feels more like a Chacha Chowdhury who has the power to pre-empt next multiple moves of his enemies.
Coming to the escapades, all were detailed and kept us glued to the screen. Author missed the connecting points of first one to an extent as 2-3 worried people were arguing nearby to get their seats sorted out. It was a jail break scene where DON and Vardhan flee on a medical van. It was a quick execution, but believable as all tactics were aptly displayed.
Determined to tackle the topmost authority gunning for his head, DON joined hands with Vardhan to reveal proof of a criminal conspiracy by a top bank (read Europe Central Bank) executive. Now this proof had the powers to bargain for blueprint of the Central Bank where Euro plates were kept in a ‘Only RAJNI can break it’ vault under extremely tight security. EURO plates are the impression of currency EURO which is on the verge of extinction these days. DON thought that he will mint billions of EUROs for himself using those plates.
As an initial threat of spoiling the party, Ayesha and Hrithik Roshan went to a charity raiser. Mr. Diwan (VP of that Bank) was the guest of honour. A salsa was on, where backless Ayesha offered to dance with Diwan. Predict wat next – Ya the Agneepath pair completed a beautiful SALSA. Roma felt like she knew him and went searching frenetically. Her objective of life has always been to catch DON..isn’t it. HR was actually DON in a mask. He he.
Stunned by the video clip from a cellphone skillfully kept in his pocket by Ayesha, Mr. Banker talks to his boss and contracts Jabbar to kill DON. How foolish na ? What followed was a hilarious sequence where DON just treated Jabbar like a ‘machchar’ and double contracted to work for his team. Jabbar had taken 2.5 million euros as advance from the Banker. Don offered him 15 million EUROs.
All the plans laid out, entered Sameer (Mr. Kunal Kapoor of RDB fame). Ofcourse he seemed a hacker from outset. It was strange to see the respect he offered DON, calling him sir a number of times. DON asked him to mastermind the security breach and controlling of automated equipments inside the bank. All was set for the loot.
Again, the plan seemed very thoughtful. All activities which seemed spontaneous, were actually planned out by DON and Sameer. This computer guy na, I tell you – he impressed DON with his hacking skills. Any Tom Dick or Harry could predict that Vardhan will act smart later. He did. But God aka Sameer had all the controls with him. He switched off the electricity using his computer and DON was swooooooooosh. Then to our surprise Roma and the police is waiting for DON at the exit route. Sameer had betrayed(not really).
Vardhan and Jabbar are inside the bank and they don’t have the exit route (It was not shared to them ..he he). So they threaten to kill hostages (some 20-25 videshis) one by one. Only DON can get to them as he knows the exit route (how silly ?). You know what he demands from police for this philanthropic work ? An immunity from all criminal cases against himJ. Diwan talks to him and signs the deal. (How could he ? He is just a banker). Roma decides to go with DON and have some romantic moments. Her boyfriend (new actor) makes a mockery of himself by threatening DON. Wearing bulletproof jackets; all head for this precious bank. DON shows his concern for Roma by saving her time and again. Once bomb diffusion expert is dead, he himself diffuses a bomb in time (so talented)J.
Meanwhile Vardhan hears an explosion in the security room and is wearied of DON’s presence. He threatens to kill hostages if DON does not show up. Wat now ? Ya, DON comes and with him, Roma. Oh! those last moments with him.
A little bit drama, but yes – as per script – Roma is injured, DON survives, Vardhan goes back to jail, Jabbar is killed by DON. Bank manager dies when a bomb explodes in his car. The plates …well they have to be with DON ….and his two young partners…Sameer and Ayesha.
Shahrukh has carried the role with conviction and covered the shortcomings with his fantastic presence. DON has always been smarter than the rest, be it Amitabh or him. Role of Vardhan is once again to share the screenspace with DON, as the character of Boman has to be sufficiently utilized. Priyanka has some fighting sequence to impress viewers. She was not required to do any item number as it eroded her character in mindspace. Lara as Ayesha could have been replaced by any young female actor. Kunal looked like he was short of offers and took DON to register in our memories. And yes, as Shahrukh gets older..Hrithik looks fitting into DON’s shoes.
