The evil ‘Baazigar’ is back

Farhan Akhtar considered a representative of ‘fresh’ or ‘new age’ cinema, has always impressed through his perspective of style, technicalities & uniqueness in presentation. Besides, he usually avoids verbose marketing / promotion and rather lets his work speak for himself.

The idea behind Don (2006) was to recreate a modern version of Bachchan’s 1978 version, as perceived by Farhan. Although it received mixed responses, the overall treatment was appreciated by the audience. With Don 2, Farhan ‘ don’ s the director’s cap almost 5 years later, triggering rocket high expectations & excitement among his fans.

The plot begins wherein Don after having escaped scot free previously , has now taken over Asian underworld. He then decides to take on something he left unattended, which could otherwise prove fatal. He subsequently drafts a master-plan involving few acquaintances, popular public figures & couple of experts to execute the same. The transformation of the plan into reality through series of twist-n-turns, treachery, deceit and complications is how the plot unfolds thereon.

Barring few sequences, every time when you feel things are getting monotonous / predictable, there springs up a surprise (including some special appearances!). This pattern continues almost till the climax, though some people might be difficult to digest too many twists in the tale, owing to fast pace of the film.

Technically, the film is outstanding, Jason West’s cinematography being the USP. Action scenes by Matthias Barsch are notable. Shankar Ehsaan Loy do well with the background score, but the soundtrack isn’t as impactful as Don (2006). Dialogues are witty, satirical and crisp.

Shah Rukh Khan is at one of his ‘evil’ best. The actor rejuvenates his anti-hero forte (Baazigar, Anjaam) wearing the right kind of attitude throughout the film. Besides Ashutosh Gowariker & Shimit Amin, it’s now Farhan Akhtar who succeeds in bringing out the ‘restrain’ & ‘ unconventional-ism’ in his performance. Experimenting with different looks adds further to the innovation.

Boman Irani , Nawaab Shah and Aly Khan are superb. Kunaal Kapoor does a commendable job, and pleasantly surprises at times !

Priyanka Chopra & Lara Dutta play their parts well, though you wish to see more of them. Om Puri provides adequate support.

Overall, a sleek, stylish and ‘evil’ entertainer.