Movie Review: Don 2

Starring: Shahrukh Khan, Priyanka Chopra
Director: Farhan Akhtar
Original Release Date: December 23, 2011

*No Spoilers*

If you ask me whether Don 2 was better than Don, I probably wouldn't be able to give you an answer. Because it was a remake, the element of surprise in the first Don wouldn't be possible in any other installment of Don. Therefore this sequel stands on its own.

I'd been waiting almost five years for this movie. After Don, I just knew there had to be a sequel. Five long years later, we finally have it. And it was pretty much everything I could have asked for. I feel like I shouldn't go into too much of a synopsis, in fear of killing it for anyone who hasn't seen it (is there really anyone who hasn't seen it?). I'll stick to being vague.

Shahrukh Khan's entrance in this film is bomb (pun intended). Seriously, it was goosebump inducing and almost comparable to his Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham helicopter entrance. Simply powerful. I was also worried about the long hair when I initially saw stills, but he pulls it off oh so well.

The story is an interesting one, and one that brings Don and Vardaan back together. It feels well thought out rather than simply thrown together. Loose ends seem to actually get tied up as well. And, don't worry, there are enough twists and turns in the story to keep you at the edge of your seat.

Shahrukh is simply flawless in this movie. Brilliant acting, brilliant styling, brilliant everything. He seems young(er) and fresh, yet polished. At 46, the man has maintained himself well enough to act with a costar almost 17 years younger than him. Speaking of said costar, Priyanka Chopra is beautiful but largely underwhelming in the film. This could be blamed on lack of character development for Roma, or the overpowering nature of Don's character. (Or maybe I was just too busy paying attention to Shahrukh!)

As for new characters, Lara Dutta was cute but didn't really have a whole lot to do. I would be more annoyed about the lack of impactful female "presence" in Don 2, but we all know that this movie simply revolves around Don--as it should. Kunal Kapoor does a great job in his role.

So the story was good, characters were good, what about music? I think I was the lone wolf who loved the Don 2 soundtrack before viewing the film. After seeing all the tracks in context I further realized what a phenomenal soundtrack it is. "Zaraa Dil Ko Thaam Lo" is easily the best of the batch, and picturization is superb. I also love "Dushman Mera" but the picturization of this one (shown at the end) is just...weird. "Hai Ye Maya" goes well with the film. Unfortunately, "Mujhko Pehchaan Lo" which is a truly great track, was not included in the film.

Another great aspect of Don 2? The action. That's all I can say. The action sequences in this movie are truly a highlight and show how far Bollywood has come in this respect. No more "dishoom dishoom"-- the action in Don 2 is simply at another level.

I had only one real gripe with Don 2. In the first Don, Don's character was very dark and sadistic--almost creepy. I missed that element in the sequel. While Don's character is still dark, that creepy "I enjoy killing" attitude just isn't there. Even so, this is only a minor complaint in light of the amazingness that is Don 2.

Easily the best movie of 2011. And a slap in the face to those who say that Shahrukh Khan is losing his fire.

Final Verdict: 9.5/10

Don 2: One Word Review

A.M.A.Z.I.N.G.

More details to come :)

Don 2 First Official Teaser!

I'm baaaaack! And with a bang, considering that the Don 2 promo finally came out today! After watching it multiple times, all I can say right now is that SRK ain't called the King for no reason!

This teaser has pretty much everything I wanted for Don 2. It looks polished and chic, Shahrukh is embodying his evil character with amazing style, it looks action-packed without being cheesy, and King Khan looks smokin'! Well, minus that long hair, which I'm seriously hoping won't last through the whole movie. Shahrukh's dialogue delivery is impeccable. It's amazing how much he's able to convey simply through his voice. I gotta say, I love evil SRK.

Don 2 has a lot to live up to. One of the reasons why Don was so good was that Farhan Akhtar was able to take a supposed "remake" and put in a completely unexpected plot twist at the end. Don 2 is going to be a completely different story. Will Farhan be able to make it as engaging, thrilling, and unexpected? Judging from this trailer, I honestly believe so.

I only have one complaint about Don 2 and its trailer/poster so far. WHAT is up with that font? The original Don font was simple and sleek. This graffiti art looking font for Don 2 looks like stuff that boys in my 7th grade class used to doodle. What is this, 1995? Whatever, the rest of the trailer is so good that I'm willing to ignore this little hitch.

Even though SRK completely overpowered this teaser, I'm still excited to see what Priyanka Chopra and Lara Dutta are gonna bring to the story. First of all, how does Roma (PC) even factor in to the story considering the ending of the last film? Who's side is Lara on? So many questions--which will be answered once Don 2 comes out this Christmas. Have I mentioned how excited I am?

Can Madhuri's magic be captured?

My short answer: yes! But before you take out death threats against me, read on!

At this year's Filmfare awards, Madhuri Dixit received a special award honoring her 25 years of contribution to the Hindi film industry. For this reason, Priyanka Chopra took on the daunting task of performing to a medley of Madhuri's most famous songs as a tribute to her. How did she fare?

I think PC did a superb job! She looked great, the choreography was on point, the song choices were fitting, and the costumes were perfect. What I like about this performance is that Priyanka is clearly not trying to surpass Madhuri, nor is she even trying to be her. We all (including PC) know that that's impossible. While still remaining tributory to Madhuri's legacy, Priyanka manages to still put her own flair into the performance--she plays Madhuri without losing herself in the process.

A big example of this is the costuming of the medley. Most of the outfits are clearly inspired by their corresponding songs, but still have that Priyanka-flair to them. In other words, they're a bit sexier and bit more modern. The outfits are styled for Priyanka's body and Priyanka's filmy style, but still have that Madhuri element in them.

I also liked the remixed version of "Choli Ke Peeche" that was used. It kind of represents the idea that Bollywood is reaching a modern era, but still holds onto and appreciates its roots--and one of those roots is Madhuri Dixit, who helped create the identity of Hindi cinema. Remixes of classic songs are generally frowned upon, but I think it was fitting in this context.

If you watch the video until the end, you'll see that Priyanka brings Madhuri up on the stage to perform a few of the iconic "Dola re Dola" steps. Then Priyanka humbly says about her performance, "Choti si koshish thi" (It was a small try) and says some kind words about Madhuri and her work before she calls up Aishwarya on stage to present the award.

So did Priyanka capture Madhuri's magic? Yes--in her own way! No one can ever match up to Madhuri, but this performance was clearly not intended to do so. Priyanka was the perfect choice to perform this tribute. She's doubtlessly a great dancer and her facial expressions were a "10 on 10" in my book.

As for someone who couldn't capture the magic? Check this out (I'm warning you in advance--a barf bag may be needed):

Well, that was embarrassing to even watch...

P.S. This was another post in honor of the "Magic of Madhuri" week started by Gaja Gamini! Check out The Bollywood-ish Blog for more information!

No Priyanka in "Dostana 2"?

It has been officially reported by Piggy Chops herself that she won't be a part of the forthcoming film Dostana 2. I guess this really isn't a surprise, considering her story pretty much ended in Dostana. But I'm hoping for at least a cameo from Priyanka in the sequel--which still seems entirely possible!

In case you didn't already know, Katrina Kaif will be the new leading lady in Dostana 2. Excuse me while a barf. Multiple times. First of all, was there really a need for a sequel at all? Don't get me wrong, I adored Dostana, but it didn't really seem like a movie that would need a sequel (unlike Don!). And, okay, if you're really going to make a sequel, what's Katrina Kaif going to add to it--besides a dose of terrible acting?

Bollywood isn't really known for creating stellar sequels, so I'm afraid that the Dostana brand will be tarnished with this upcoming potential disaster. Dostana was a groundbreaking (and hilarious) film mainly because of the premise of Abhishek and John's pseudo-homosexuality. If they use that same premise again, the sequel will have nothing new to offer. If they don't, it could turn into a lame, over-done romantic comedy. Annoying.

Perhaps Tarun Mansukhani will come up with something new and innovative for the sequel. If not, hopefully John and Abhishek can manage to save the show. Either way, I do hope to get at least a glimpse of my beloved Priyanka!

Source: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/bollywood/news-interviews/Nothing-for-Priyanka-in-Dostana-2/articleshow/7924083.cms

Movie Review: 7 Khoon Maaf

Starring: Priyanka Chopra (with Neil Nitin Mukesh, John Abraham, Irrfan Khan, Naseeruddin Shah, Vivaan Shah, etc.)
Director: Vishal Bhardwaj
Original Release Date: February 18, 2011

*No Spoilers*

7 Khoon Maaf is an adaptation of a short story by Ruskin Bond called Susanna's Seven Husbands. While it technically stars various other actors, Priyanka Chopra undoubtedly steals the show in her portrayal of Susanna (aka Saheb), a woman who marries 7 times throughout her lifetime.

This movie is very different, but in a good way. If you go into it expecting a typical masala feature with songs and romance, you'll be greatly disappointed. But if you go into it with an open mind, you may be pleasantly surprised with what 7 Khoon Maaf has to offer. The movie is very dark and unusual. You're not getting your typical submissive wife, but the portrayal of a woman who challenges the men in her life in subtle, yet brutal ways. Let's just leave the plot at that.

Priyanka delivers an amazing performance. She fully embraces her character and its many, many dimensions, clearly overshadowing the rest of her co-stars. I'll be surprised if she doesn't get a Best Actress nomination for this role. Irrfan Khan's performance, however, was also commendable. To my personal disappointment, John Abraham was just okay and easily forgettable in the film. The movie also marks the acting debut of Vivaan Shah (Naseeruddin Shah's son) as the narrator. Unfortunately, his performance just didn't click with me (and neither did his hair).

7 Khoon Maaf isn't a perfect movie. It was often slow and dreary, which did match the overall style of the film. In addition, due to the arrangement of the film, the plot was almost entirely predictable. So be aware that you should watch this movie not for the suspense or the story, but for how that story unfolds. Music was another weak point for the movie. Darling was a fun track that went well with the context, but isn't one that I would listen to on its own. Oh Mama was quite possibly one of the worst songs I've heard in a while. Background score, on the other hand, was fairly effective.

As mentioned before, if you're looking for a light, fun movie then 7 Khoon Maaf isn't for you. It's an intense and unique film that Bollywood aficionados should enjoy. It's also a bold film with its multiple love-making scenes and semi-frequent usage of the "f" word. While the content and the movie itself won't suit all audiences, everyone should watch 7 Khoon Maaf at least once.

Final Verdict: 3.5/5