Review: SRK makes Don 2 work

Film: Don 2

Director: Farhan Akhtar
Cast: Shah Rukh Khan, Priyanka Chopra, Boman Irani
Rating: ****
Ever since Farhan Akhtar gave us the delectable Dil Chahta Hai (smartly written, well acted, a trendsetter of sorts), he has failed to better, or even get close to, his debut effort. His production company may have churned out some pretty memorable films since (Honeymoon Travels, Rock On, Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara), but his own directorial ventures have been mediocre. Lakshya suffered from a Dil Chahta Hai-wannabe first half fused with a JP Dutta-styled second. Don, the remake of Chandra Barot’s highly enjoyable 1978 caper, with its harebrained finale, was a complete letdown.

Unsatisfying as Akhtar’s Don was, the sequel promos have been promising. And with Akhtar and Co free of the baggage of recreating the original Don, they could take things in a new direction. Which they do. Except, others have trodden this path already.

Like Danny Ocean. And John McClane. In Don 2, Akhtar manages to blend elements from various H’wood films, mostly Ocean’s Eleven and Die Hard, with a bit of Mission Impossible thrown in. This is our answer to Hollywood - a rehash of what they’ve done already. No points for originality.

No points for writing either. If Akhtar’s film lulls you to sleep initially, in spite of some slick editing, it’s because the writing (Akhtar, Ameet Mehta, Amrish Shah) falters. Characters say boring, random things to each other, there’s a pointlessly long dance sequence (Hrithik Roshan, looking dapper in an unintentionally hilarious cameo), and the attempt at dialoguebaazi is laughable (“Jab tak Don ko asliyat ka pata chalega, tab tak Don mar chuka hoga”).

The situations are alarmingly unimaginative. Sample this: Don-ny Ocean (SRK) plans to get out of a high security prison by mixing the food given to prisoners with a liquid that results in mass food poisoning. Johar Mehmood In Hong Kong had a similar sequence where prisoners in a jail are given julab (laxative) on the sly, helping them flee. That was a farcical comedy. Here, it seems like a cop-out.

What keeps Don 2 alive, then, is its pulsating action. It helps the pace quicken as the film progresses, including a thrilling chase sequence and a wonderfully choreographed-and-shot pre-climax sequence. Cinematographer Jason West (Rock On) and stunt director Matthias Barsch enthuse life into proceedings, ensuring that action junkies get their fill.

The film, however, is nothing more than an attempt to cash in; to set opening weekend records. And to provide a vehicle for its lead star to dazzle (so much so, every other actor seems inconsequential). Thankfully, Shah Rukh Khan is in form. The body language is cocky, the attitude flamboyant, and the smirk consistent. In a full-fledged action role, Khan goes the whole hog, pulling off the stunts with panache. Only for him, Don 2 is pretty enjoyable.

Sadly, with a director who showed much promise with his first film, Don 2 should have been more than just another big-ticket Friday film that rests solely on the shoulders of its lead actor. Anees Bazmee has one of those coming out every few months. Akhtar seems to have found his own money-churning superstar. The filmmaker’s voice, then, has been muted.

Watch Don 2 for some kick-ass action. And Shah Rukh Khan.

Salman Khan prefers Karan Johar over Shah Rukh Khan

Reliance's plans of releasing the Don 2 first trailer with Salman Khan's Bodyguard have been squashed. Thanks to lead actor Salman. The dabangg Khan refused to share screen space with his archrival Shah Rukh Khan in any way.

However, when it came to sharing the spotlight with Hrithik Roshan and Sanjay Dutt, Salman did not seem to have a problem. In fact, Sallu insisted on having Karan Johar's Agneepath trailer as a part of his forthcoming Eid release.

Salman had asked Reliance not to include the Don 2 trailer in Bodyguard. In fact, when the producers tried to reason things out with the actor, telling him that both films (Bodyguard and Don 2) belonged to Reliance, he retorted, "Bodyguard is my film as well."

"Salman and SRK are not friends. It was obvious that Salman will not want the trailer of Shah Rukh Khan's film attached to Bodyguard. Salman would have said 'No' even if he had a guest appearance in the film. His war with SRK is far from over," said a source close to the Sallu starrer.

The SRK-Salman war started on July 16, 2008 at Katrina Kaif's 24th birthday bash in a suburban nightspot.

A small argument turned ugly when SRK allegedly commented on Salman's ex-girlfriend Aishwarya Rai.

While SRK's Don 2 trailer has been left out from Bodyguard, his good friend Karan Johar's Agneepath promo has been included. And again, it was Salman who took the call. "It would have made more sense for Reliance to include the promo of Don 2, since it releases this December as opposed to Agneepath that releases in 2012. but since Salman wanted it, the producers couldn't refuse," revealed a source.

Explaining why Salman chose Agneepath over Don 2, a source said, "Salman has been bonding with Karan Johar of late.

According to industry insiders, the actor will work in the Dharma Productions venture to be directed by Rensil D'Silva. Also, Agneepath stars Hrithik Roshan and Sanjay Dutt, two actors who had once had a spat with Salman but are now close to him."

The final print of Bodyguard that releases this Eid will now have trailers of Agneepath, Luv U Soniyo and Hollywood film Real Steel. "There is neither a trailer or a promo of Don 2 in Bodyguard. Salman did not want any mention of the SRK starrer in his film," confirmed a source close to Sallu's film.

Movie Review: Don 2 looks seriously slick

It's a bit perplexing to see just how young, fit and fresh Shah Rukh Khan looks in the promos of his films.

We saw the glaring gulf between the way he looked in the Ra One promo earlier this year and the way he looked on TV with Karan Johar or supporting his IPL team, and now we see him again, looking lethal in the first trailer for Don 2. Maybe those who do makeup and CGI for Rajnikanth are working their magic in SRK's films, or maybe King Khan only saves up his shininess for when it counts
the most.

Either way, the Don 2 trailer looks pretty darned sharp.
We see a speedboat slice through verdant green waters as Khan, in over- baritoned voiceover, tells us
that his enemies thought he was dead and now he's back and ready for more.

We catch peeks of Khan in tattooed longhaired Bangkok junkie/underpaid chinesevan waiter mode, both of which make sense as a disguise while the wounded tiger licks his wounds. A word about the voice, though: in a sequel to a film where he stepped into Amitabh Bachchan's shoes -- which seemed a couple sizes too big for him at the time -- this voiceover seems to be yet another tribute from Khan, trying to sound a bit like that man who keeps proving he'll never be too old.

And then, just as he uses up all the gravel in his throat mouthing the 'remember who I am, I'm the Don' lines from that classic song used smartly here as dialogue, he smiles and says 'boom', a car explodes on cue, and then it's Shah Rukh all the way.

The rest is standard blockbuster fare, explosions and slow motion turns to the camera, maximised for dramatic effect. But there's absolutely no mistaking the fact that this film looks very, very slick indeed. Clearly Farhan Akhtar's out to prove a point, and so far, he looks like he knows what he's doing. Wish they didn't throw in the weird Khan smirk at the very end, though.

What do you think of the Don 2 trailer? Do you think SRK will give us the year's biggest blockbuster with Don 2 or Ra.One? Do you think director Farhan Akhtar, who has given us unforgettable films like Dil Chahata Hai and Lakshya, and Don will be fourth time lucky?

Don 2 Trailer

SRK becomes a millionaire on Twitter

Soon after Priyanka Chopra, it is Shah Rukh Khan's turn to touch the one million followers mark on twitter. The actor thanked his fans and celebrated it by watching Bambi with his daughter.

'Celebrating the million mark by watching Bambi with my daughter. Feeling the warmth...thanx all. Love u,' he tweeted.
Shah Rukh Khan is the second Bollywood celebrity to achieve one million mark and the fourth Indian after actress Priyanka Chopra, politician Shashi Tharoor and cricketer Sachin Tendulkar.

Meanwhile, SRK is enjoying his holiday in Denhag, Holland. 'too much fun in denhag. lovely people. i just want to kow..do u get a chicken hangover. had chicken sandwich in the airline lounge...chicken curry back stage...chicken tikka for dinner. will i wake up with an eggache??? Coffee on the terrace in Denhag, saw beauty around me early morning. Felt nice.. Bak to london today,' he added later, and posted a picture of himself

It's Father's day...and I am all alone: Shahrukh Khan

Shah Rukh Khan time and again in his interviews has talked about how close he is to his kids Aryan and Suhana and how they are the most important aspect of his being.

No wonder then, the Khan is feeling lost and alone today without his beautiful kids around him. SRK is shooting for Ra.One in Hyderabad and therefore couldn't spend Father's Day with his kids in Mumbai.

Talking about how he is missing his little angels, SRK said, "It's Father's day...and I am all alone...not that I would have done anything special except look at their innocent eyes. Love you Aryan & Suhana."

SRK has been on a roll shooting for Ra.One.

The film is special for SRK not just because he's playing a superhero for the first time but because he is making the film for his kids, who love superhero flicks. King Khan has also been shooting for Don 2 and therefore hasn't got enough time to spend with his kids. However, once his film schedules are a little easy, SRK plans to take a small trip with his family to a destination chosen by them.

Last year Khan and family had celebrated Father's Day in Istanbul. He had said that his father always wanted to visit Kashmir, Rome and Istanbul with him. Since he was not around, the star decided to take his kids to one of his dad's favourite places.

Two Much In Bollywood

Shammi Kapoor’s body language and dancing style reminded many of Elvis Presley.

SNEHA ULLAL and AISHWARYA RAI

THE LOWDOWN:
Sneha made her debut with Lucky: No time For Love in 2005 opposite Salman Khan, around the time he split with his erstwhile girlfriend, Aishwarya Rai.

The film bombed but Salman tried promoting Sneha. She was cast opposite his brother Sohail Khan in the dud Aryan. Flops such as Kaashh. Mere Hote and Click followed Sneha found space in Telugu films. She has an English film, Gandhi Park, coming up.

  
LOOKALIKE FACTOR:
Like Ash, Sneha is of Mangalorean origin and has fair skin and light eyes. She met Salman through his sister Arpita. Salman, nursing heartbreak at the point, recommended Sneha for Lucky reportedly because she resembled Ash. Reacting to Sneha's resemblance to Ash, Salman said: "It's just because of the green eyes. I don't see any resemblance. Even if there is, what's the big deal?"

CAREER PUSH:
With Ash going great guns in Bollywood and Salman not keen to promote her after the initial duds, Sneha wisely shifted base to Telugu films. Hits such as Ullasamga Utsahamga, Simha and Ala Modalaindi helped her consolidate base down South.

HARMAN BAWEJA and HRITHIK ROSHAN

THE LOWDOWN:
Harman got a grand launch in dad Harry Baweja's 2008 film, Love Story 2050.

His affair with the film's heroine Priyanka Chopra made news but Love Story 2050 flopped.

LOOKALIKE FACTOR:
Harman has always been trying hard to brush off the Hrithik lookalike tag.

"I can't help the way I look. It is what my parents gave me. I have not done plastic surgery. Anyway, every newcomer will be compared to someone," Harman defends himself.

However, the similarities don't end with looks. Harman has all along tried to build a muscular frame like Hrithik, and also copy his dance moves.

CAREER PUSH:
Harman has not signed a new film in almost two years now, so there is no career push. Clearly, his bid to become a mainstream star has worked against him.

Big producers who can afford Hrithik would avoid Harman, and small producers can't afford to float productions that match his image. Last we heard, he was approached for a reality TV reality show. He turned down the offer.

NIKHIL DWIVED and SHAH RUKH KHAN

THE LOWDOWN:
Nikhil made his debut with the E. Niwas dud, My Name Is Anthony Gonsalves. Success has eluded him so far despite credible performances in Shor In The City and Mani Ratnam's Raavan.

LOOKALIKE FACTOR:
Nikhil, who has been careful in his attempt to rehash everything from Shah Rukh Khan's hairdo to body language, is yet to get his first hit in Bollywood. He is also gifted with a pout and dimples that remind you of SRK.

While most superstars ignore their lookalikes, SRK was graceful enough to attend the premier of My Name Is Anthony Gonsalves.

"Today people know him as my lookalike, but soon he will be a prominent name in the industry and youngsters will emulate him," King Khan had said then about Nikhil.

CAREER PUSH:
Being dubbed as the poor man's SRK has its advantages. Nikhil never runs out of offers from low and medium-budget filmmakers.

SONU SOOD and AMITABH BACHCHAN

THE LOWDOWN:
Sonu shot to fame as the villain of Dabangg, after struggling for some years despite films such as Jodhaa Akbar, Yuva and Aashiq Banaya Aapne.

LOOKALIKE FACTOR:
Sonu's height, facial structure and deep voice remind many of a young Big B from his Zanjeer days. Notably, Sonu bagged the role of Abhishek Bachchan's elder brother in Yuva because of his resemblance to Bachchan senior.

"I am very fond of Sonu because he reminds me of a young Amitabh Bachchan," Jaya Bachchan said some time ago.

CAREER PUSH:
Sonu recently signed a gangster flick, Zilla Ghaziabad, where he plays an angry young man. Although a Punjabi, Sonu plays a character with shades of the Big B's Chhora Ganga kinare waala image.

In the fifties, when Dev Anand ruled, many noted the resemblance he bore with Hollywood actor Gregory Peck.

ZARINE KHAN and KATRINA KAIF

THE LOWDOWN:
 Zarine made her debut in Salman Khan's dud Veerlast year.

After Salman's then-girlfriend Katrina Kaif reportedly refused to play the heroine in the period film, the superstar went on an aggressive hunt to find a replacement in terms of glamour and looks. He discovered Zarine.

LOOKALIKE FACTOR:
While Zarine bears a strong resemblance with Katrina, critics and the audience alike cruelly dismissed her as 'Fatrina' once Veerreleased because she looked grossly overweight.She has also failed to match Katrina's charm and sex appeal.

 ZARINE KHAN and KATRINA KAIF

 The lookalike factor actually worked against Zarine as long as Salman and Katrina were an item. No Bollywood assignment came her way. "Katrina is beautiful but I don't think I look like Katrina. I want to create my identity," Zarine said in an online interview recently.

CAREER PUSH:
Zarine's latest claim to fame is the hit item number Character dheelain Salman's upcoming Ready. Sajid Khan has offered her a role in his multistarrer Housefull 2. Rumours suggest Sajid would have loved Katrina in the role but she has become ultra-choosy after becoming a superstar. The only starring role Zarine has in her kitty right now is once again thanks to Salman. She will be seen opposite the superstar in Shirish Kunder's upcoming Kick.

Aamir Khan has been compared with Tom Hanks and film observers even find similarities in the acting styles of the two stars.