Don 2

I first saw this in Gaiety, Bandra, when it first released in Dec 2011. Saw this with my dad and entire family, first day first show.

The theatre was jam packed n the crowds went berserk, clapping n whistling.

I don't know why my earlier review got deleted.

Writing this again aft revisiting few days back.

The movie is a direct sequel to Don (2006) and the story takes place 5 years after the events of the previous film.

The opening sequence is loaded with action n SRK gave a solid performance. He looked cool with his long hair.

The movie has ample amount of action, the locations r amazing, the direction n editing top notch.

The hand to hand combat n the fight with the villain Jabbar is amazeballs.

Jabbar is an intimidating villain.

The initial prison bathroom action sequence is lifted from Michael Jai White's Blood n Bone.

Heard they are planning part 3 without SRK.

Will probably skip part 3.

In 2006, Sanjay Gadhvi made a sequel to the 2004 hit 'Dhoom' which was appreciated by most, but Rohit Shetty's sequel to 'Golmaal' faced mixed reviews. However, Rajkumar Hirani got it compeletely right with the Munna Bhai sequel, which was the perfect sequel to the first film. So it can be said that the record hasn't been all that great.. but it has certainly got better now!

Farhan Akhtar's Don 2 is a sequel to his 2006 movie Don, a remake of the 70s Amitabh film. However, the story was sufficiently different and the twists in the tale left viewers gasping for more. Five years later, Farhan Akhtar has returned in an attempt to fulfill the enormous expectations on this sequel. I can say that my expectations were not only met but surpassed by a considerable distance!

The story is strong and pretty special considering what we have previously seen from the Hindi film industry, but you wouldn't expect anything less from Farhan Akhtar. After conquering the Asian underworld, Don sets his eyes on Europe. Thrills are what you expect and thrills are what you get!

The makers have clearly gone to town here as the level of authenticity and realism is extraordinary, especially considering that there are quite a few formulaic Hindi films released every year that fail to differ hugely from films that have come out of India before them. This is certainly one of those films that possess their own distinct identities.

The performances are great. Shahrukh excels as Don and everything about his character is just awe-inspiring. I think this role is comparable with some of his best performances. Meanwhile, Priyanka Chopra too excels and Om Puri shows why he is regarded as a good actor. Boman Irani is impeccable as Vardhaan and Nawwab Shah is a revelation - watch out for him! Kunal Kapoor handles his role with ease, and is another one too look out for. The character development is superb.

The dialogues are really good. They fit in and serve their purpose in a variety of situations.

The songs of this film are not really the commercial type, but they fit in well in the various situations throughout the film. With this in mind, Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy have done a solid job with the music. The background score is great.Those who expect romantic music will be disappointed.

The action sequences have been finely executed and do fit into the narrative very nicely. They really do add to the overall experience.

Overall, this is a sequel that is far superior to the first film. As an action thriller with world-class action, top notch performances and a western feel, this presents further proof that Hollywood has some serious competition. It's a gem of a film from Farhan Akhtar, who I regard as one of the top 5 best directors in India today. With Shahrukh delivering a great performance, this film will not disappoint fans of his and action enthusiasts. One of the best films (not just from India) of 2011! A must watch!!

9.5/10.

Don 2 was an amazing movie. Great acting by Shahrukh Khan probably one of his best acting. A well directed movie my Farhan Akhtar. The dialogs were great. The storyline was sometimes predictable but at the end it totally changes. It was a slick movie. When I watched the movie I thought I was watching a Hollywood movie. Shahrukh Khan is the only actor who can play Don cause he has that style the charisma and everything that u need in an underworld king who wants to be the king of Europe. Boman Irani plays the role of Vardhan really well. I think they should make Don 3 with a different location and with even better storyline. From my side i would give 7/10.

While it might not be the best opinion to classify young writers and directors to a specific style or segment, there is something compelling and unique about the story telling of great directors that makes their fans count days for the release. Story writers in this category not only leave lasting impressions, but always carry a trademark of their method and style which brings that smile in the end, even when they explore diverse subjects or hop genres. Farhan Akhtar is the man who gave us that range with DCH and Lakshya,yet maintained the sincerity and joy of telling a story. Don 2 ladies and gentlemen, is just the opposite.

Is it fair to expect Farhan not to experiment or go blazing commercial Hindi masala with this subject? Absolutely not and complements to him for taking it further, but could he have done this with more love for the character Don, and packed it with the honesty of Lakshya or the freshness of DCH, a resounding yes! Who better than him to do it. Without drawing any comparisons to the original or comparing it to others, the movie miserably lacks a soul. The least a writer and director can do is be fascinated and inspired by the character and the story of Don. This one taints the cinematic image of Don. Clichéd dialog's and disconnected sequences prove more attention was given to make it look hip and sexy, and not make it real. We have all seen the MI series, the 007's, and others like them and they are all incomplete without the cars, gadgets, and the geeky thrills, but pick any good one from the lot and you will see they were all used to complement the story. Very unlike Don 2.

The movie is drenched in classic SRK drama,and you are better off watching a Karan Johar movie than this, at least you will not be surprised by anything. For instance, the movie kicks of by a bunch of big shots conspiring to kill don, and you are a genius if you were able to figure why by the end, or even why it started the way it did, but then I'm talking logic here. How about the poor dialog's and not so funny humor portrayed by SRK? Jabbar the villain is shown more as a personal assistant and, reflects a character that was either not developed or incompletely written.Priyanka Chopra puts in a decent performance to a minimal role and Om Puri could have easily taken a pass on this. Boman Irani does justice to his character but again, his character's evolution as well as introduction does not hit the mark. And are we not in 2011? Why do we have yet again, a new guy in a shy role, trying to impress the heroine who is not interested, no reason why this could not have been all edited. Then there is the elephant in the room for which people showed up to make this another mega hit, SRK.

SRK sticks to his script and does what he has done well since his early days. Whats the problem then? Our movies, and the stories have fortunately moved way forward than his baazigar style of delivery. Frankly, it is disappointing to see him do this especially at a time when he had raised the bar with Chak De and Swades. And the bigger blame here should be on Farhan Akhtar who decided to take this route. It is frustrating to see movies like this do such business, but in the end that's what they are made for, not for story lovers.

Just when you think the movie has ended and you are out of your misery, it starts all over by SRK showing the cops or I should say walking through the exact exit route he took, you've got to be kidding at this point. The drag is merciless packed with melodrama with SRK using all his facial expressions to not impress. And if you thought finally it has ended and there is no room for more, it gives you a glimpse in the last scene that Don 3 might be on its way.

An utter disappointment from Farhan Akhtar, and a winner again for SRK audience. Beware this is not a Farhan Akhtar movie.

Don 2, the sequel to Don starts from where the prequel ended.Though the story is surreal, impractical and seems like fantasy, the director gives it a slick treatment.It doesn't let go, even for a moment. The plot is stylishly crafted,with every twist and turn falling into place. Farhan Akhtar yet again proves that he is the most stylish film maker of recent times. The first half may seem cold in comparison with the 2nd, as the 2nd half takes the film onto a different level and keeps you on the edge of the seats.The script will mostly appeal to the urban crowd who are absolutely hooked onto international thrillers. The twists and turns in the 2nd hour may not be totally understandable to the average viewer.

Action is the USP of Farhan Akhtar's film. The chases, the fights, the destructions, escapes were spectacular and have all been done at par with International Standards.The car chase between Priyanka and Shah Rukh was unbelievable.The cinematography was top notch, be it the indoor or the outdoor shots. The locations in Berlin, Zurich, Malaysia & Thailand, where it was shot completely came alive. The stylization & look for every actor was so well defined.

Shah Rukh Khan uses all his charisma & attitude and woos the audience with his charm. He is the the lifeline of the movie.And this is definitely amongst his best works till date. Priyanka Chopra, Boman Irani,Om Puri, Sahil Shroff, Kunal Kapoor, Alyy Khan & Nawab Shah were very very good in their respective parts. Lara Dutta looks glamorous but has nothing else to do.Shah Rukh Khan & Priyanka Chopra's chemistry for those 5 minutes was crackling.

Like a spot on the moon, the cameo by Hrithik Roshan was unnecessary & forced. Hrithik looked awesome but playing Shah Rukh's masked avatar was totally bizarre. As their height, voice and body do not share any damn similarity.

What makes Don 2 a winner is,the public cheers every time a task is accomplished by Don. This is indeed credible because Don, after all, is a negative character.

Special mention is the last scene where Shah Rukh Khan rides a bike and passes on a bridge over the French Riveira, Oh My God-he has never looked so handsome before. All will definitely skip a heart beat. Don 2 ends with the promise of Don 3. Mr.Akhtar-we are waiting.