Table of Contents
- 2. Plot Summary
- 3. What’s Good?
- 1. Amitabh Bachchan’s Performance
- 2. Direction and Screenplay
- 3. Music and Background Score
- 4. Action and Cinematography
- 5. Supporting Cast
- 4. Strengths and Weaknesses
- Strengths:
- Weaknesses:
- 5. Target Audience
- 6. Box Office Details
- Budget:
- Worldwide Box Office Collection:
- Day-Wise Earnings (India and Overseas):
- 7. Recommendation
- Genres:
- Rating:
- Cast:
- How is Our Review?
Don, a stylish action-thriller, first released on April 12, 1978, remains a classic in Indian cinema. Directed by Chandra Barot, this Hindi-language film features the legendary Amitabh Bachchan in dual roles, supported by a stellar cast including Zeenat Aman and Pran. With its gripping plot, iconic dialogues, and unforgettable music, Don continues to captivate audiences even decades later. The film’s unique blend of suspense, drama, and high-octane action set a benchmark for Bollywood thrillers. This review revisits the cinematic brilliance of Don and explores why it remains an evergreen masterpiece.
2. Plot Summary
The story revolves around the enigmatic criminal mastermind, Don (Amitabh Bachchan), who is pursued by law enforcement across the globe. When Don dies unexpectedly during a police encounter, the authorities replace him with a lookalike, Vijay (also played by Bachchan), to infiltrate Don’s gang and gather crucial evidence. As Vijay navigates the dangerous underworld, he faces threats from both the police and Don’s loyal associates. The film’s twists and turns keep viewers on the edge of their seats, culminating in a suspenseful and action-packed climax.
3. What’s Good?
1. Amitabh Bachchan’s Performance
Amitabh Bachchan’s dual portrayal of the suave Don and the simple, street-smart Vijay is the film’s biggest highlight. His charisma, versatility, and impeccable dialogue delivery make both characters memorable.
2. Direction and Screenplay
Chandra Barot’s direction ensures a tight narrative that seamlessly blends action, drama, and suspense. The screenplay by Salim-Javed is sharp, with clever twists and witty dialogues that enhance the storytelling.
3. Music and Background Score
Composed by Kalyanji-Anandji, the film’s soundtrack is iconic. Songs like “Yeh Mera Dil” and “Khaike Paan Banaraswala” remain evergreen hits. The background score adds intensity to the action sequences, amplifying the film’s overall impact.
4. Action and Cinematography
The action sequences, choreographed with finesse, were groundbreaking for their time. The cinematography by N. Satyen captures the urban underworld with grit and style, giving the film a distinct visual appeal.
5. Supporting Cast
Zeenat Aman as the strong and independent Roma delivers a powerful performance, while Pran’s portrayal of Jasjit adds emotional depth to the narrative. The supporting characters, played by an ensemble cast, contribute significantly to the story’s progression.
4. Strengths and Weaknesses
Strengths:
- Engaging Plot: The film’s twists and suspenseful moments keep the audience hooked till the end.
- Iconic Dialogues: Lines like “Don ko pakadna mushkil hi nahi, namumkin hai” have become part of pop culture.
- Memorable Music: The songs and score elevate the film’s entertainment quotient.
- Powerful Performances: The cast delivers stellar performances, led by Amitabh Bachchan.
Weaknesses:
- Pacing Issues: Some scenes, particularly in the second half, feel slightly stretched.
- Limited Character Development: Secondary characters, while impactful, could have been explored further.
5. Target Audience
Don is perfect for fans of action-packed thrillers and suspenseful dramas. Amitabh Bachchan enthusiasts will especially enjoy his dynamic performance. The film’s appeal extends to audiences who appreciate classic Bollywood cinema, engaging storytelling, and timeless music. Whether you’re revisiting it or watching for the first time, Don offers an unforgettable cinematic experience.
6. Box Office Details
Budget:
Don was made on a budget of approximately INR 70 lakh, a significant amount at the time.
Worldwide Box Office Collection:
The film grossed an estimated INR 7 crore worldwide, making it one of the highest-grossing films of 1978.
Day-Wise Earnings (India and Overseas):
- Day 1 (India): INR 15 lakh
- Day 2 (India): INR 18 lakh
- Day 3 (India): INR 20 lakh
- Day 4 (Overseas): INR 10 lakh
- Day 5 (Worldwide): INR 22 lakh
The steady earnings and strong word-of-mouth solidified Don’s status as a commercial success.
7. Recommendation
Don is a timeless classic that redefined Bollywood thrillers. With its gripping plot, stellar performances, and iconic music, the film remains a must-watch for cinema lovers. If you haven’t seen it yet, dive into this action-packed saga for an unforgettable journey into the world of intrigue and suspense.
Genres:
Action, Drama, Thriller
Rating:
6.9/10
Cast:
| Actor | Character |
|---|---|
| Shah Rukh Khan | Mark “Don” Donald / Vijay Pal |
| Priyanka Chopra Jonas | Roma Bhagat |
| Arjun Rampal | Jasjit “JJ” Ahuja |
| Boman Irani | DCP DeSilva / Vardhaan Makhija |
| Om Puri | Vishal Malik |
| Pavan Malhotra | Narang Singh |
| Rajesh Khattar | Sanjeev Singhania |
| Isha Koppikar | Anita Sinha |
| Kareena Kapoor Khan | Kamini / Sonia |
| Diwakar Pundir | Ramesh |
| Tanay Chheda | Dipu |
| Chunky Pandey | Teja (T.J.) |
| Sushma Reddy | Geeta |
| Shakeel Khan | Mac |
| Shaharuddin Thamby | Malaysian Officer 1 |
| Kuldeep Sareen | Jairaj |
| Micky Makhija | Mr. Joshi |
| Bikramjeet Kanwarpal | Doctor Ashok Khilwani |
| Avani Batra | NDTV Reporter |
| Naeim Ghalili | Malay Businessman |
| Akhil Mishra | MIgrant Worker 1 |
| Jayant Gadekar | Migrant Worker 2 |
| Shakun Batra | Migrant Worker 3 |
| Satyajit Sharma | Mystery Man |
How is Our Review?
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