For all those who have already watched SRK’s Diwali release Ra.One, you couldn’t have skipped a scene where Prateek (SRK’s son) witnesses a dream about G.One, in which he sees G.One in long hair and makeup similar to SRK’s look in Don 2. After researching the rumors it was found out that it was SRK’s idea to give G.One a new look in that scene. This might not be, but it looks like a marketing stunt to promote Don 2 with release of Ra One.
Don 2 – The Chase Continues is action thriller Bollwood Movie expected to release near Christmas 2011.
Director: Rohit Dhawan
Cast: Akshay Kumar, John Abraham, Deepika Padukone, Chitrangda Singh
The Desi Boys are here and contrary to their purported indecent acts, the film turns out to be a decent entertainer. Regardless of Akshay Kumar and daddy David Dhawan’s legacy of farcical comedies, director Rohit Dhawan chooses story over slapstick in his debut venture. And though it has its share of inconsistencies, the desi duo is entertaining enough in the larger picture.
In a recession-hit UK, it doesn’t take too long for the jobless duo of Jerry (Akshay Kumar) and Nick (John Abraham) to rename themselves as Rocco and Hunter and turn towards the morally-low but highly-paying profession of male escorts. They strip at hen parties though never cross the preset (Bollywood hero) limits of sleeping around. Things go wrong when Nick’s girlfriend Radhika (Deepika Padukone) discovers of their clandestine career.
Jerry and Nick fall apart and the narrative divides into their individual episodes with Sajid Khan’s Heyy Babyy being a strong influence for both tracks. Nick tries every trick in the trade to seek forgiveness from Radhika. Anupam Kher, as her dad, reprises Boman Irani’s part from Heyy Babyy supporting the repentant boyfriend. On the other hand, the flippant Jerry turns serious in life to win the custody of his orphan nephew. For that he walks that extra mile – to the university, bringing back memories of Farah Khan’s Main Hoon Na also.
Rohit Dhawan’s storytelling is simple and swift and the comedy never takes the no-brainer route with adequate conviction in the writing. He smoothly establishes the comic chemistry between Akshay and John and never lets anyone overshadow the other, thanks to their reasonably written roles. Renuka Kunzru’s dialogues, ranging from the witty to the wacky variety, are a major highlight and pack the requisite comic punches with some much-needed freshness over the customary synchronized lines in most recent comedies.
Certainly Desi Boyz isn’t unblemished and has its set of flaws and formula. The basic conflict of Akshay Kumar going back to college to acquire a clean-chit image that could help him legally win back his nephew sounds too silly. If that was not enough, he graduates in less than half a year, thanks to private tuitions by his super-hot teacher (Chitrangda Singh) who gives economics lessons through salsa and striptease sessions. Then the film treads in absolute unnecessary territory, taking its desi title a little too seriously, giving sermons on the intelligence of Indians amidst firangs who demean our country. Sadly the Namastey London gimmick seems completely out of place in this film.
After an interesting graph to the narrative, the film is marred by a weak end, which lacks the high point that a climax demands. A courtroom drama, which drastically changes the scene tone from being comedy to contemplative, isn’t a befitting culmination for the otherwise engaging flick. Nevertheless, on second thoughts, you find it as a much better end as compared to the commotional climax that most slapsticks resort to in present times. And like its climax, the film underplays in its humour and romance. The decibel levels don’t go deafening in an attempt to make you laugh and you prefer the half-baked Akshay-Chitrangda track rather than the plot straying into an extended love story.
Thankfully the film balances the Desi Boyz’ acts and smartly summarizes their striptease stunts in a couple of songs. The strip-shows never go crass and are classily captured with the requisite gloss and glamour. Akshay and John’s sculpted bodies save the show and the average audience is never grossed out. With striking cinematography, crisp editing and vibrant costume design, the film’s a technically superior product. Pritam’s music is catchy and peps up the mood of the film.
Akshay Kumar is in good form and after long a film does justice to his impeccable comic timing. He often steals the scene even where his presence is not primary. John Abraham is cool, convincing and glides effortlessly through his part. Their casual chemistry makes the film work big time. Deepika Padukone is charming and makes her presence felt in the male-dominated flick. Chitrangda Singh might not have as much extensive role but brings a refreshing appeal and immense screen presence to her character. Anupam Kher is funny. Omi Vaidya is hilarious in his short role. Sanjay Dutt, in a cameo, perhaps gets the best lines in the film.
So make some way for the Desi Boyz. And be sure, they won’t disappoint you!
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