Don (1978)

Directed by Chandra Barot

Starring: Amitabh Bachchan, Zeenat Aman 

Released: 1978

My rating: 7,5/10

Don is a cult-film. You definitely cannot speak about 70s Bollywood without mentionning it. It portrayed the Bombay (and India) of the 70s perfectly and of course, it is yet another great movie to the achievements of the "angry young man" of India, Amitabh Bachchan is a legend and it is not questionable.

Don (Amitabh Bachchan) is one of the most powerful men in the business of crime, famous for being elusive to the police and his ruthlessness. He is a man who does not hesitate to kill anyone who has the unfortune to be on his path. Proof is with Ramesh whom he shamelessly killed as the former wanted to leave the gang. But despite his power, he easily made himself enemies besides the police, including Ramesh's sister, Roma (Zeenat Aman) who is determined to seek revenge for her brother's and his fiancée's death. After being tracked down by the men of Police officer D'Silva (Iftekhar), Don is accidently killed, but his death is only known to D'Silva who has a plan. He finds a Don look-alike whose name is Vijay (Amitabh Bachchan) , a poor man taking care of two children, and asks him to impersonate Don to take down all his gang.

Amitabh. Amitabh. Amitabh. What can one say after that? It is his show all along. He is fabulous in his dual role, both as the stylish Don and the joyful Vijay fond of Paan. He easily plays both roles, and, proof of his versatility, makes them very different in every sense.

The supporting cast also made a fabulous job, Iftekhar is very convincing as Police officer D'Silva, and Zeenat plays Roma with fierce and powerfully. Can she be called "Angry young woman"? Definitely. She has nothing to envy from her male counterparts when it comes to her role, she has her share of fights and of importance.

A Roma in grief

And now as an "angry young woman"

What makes this movie cult is definitely its soundtrack. From Yeh Mera Dil (Helen's great item-number) and Main Hoon Don to Khaike Paan Banareswala, every song is great and catchy. I have to say I really have a weak spot for Eeh Hai Bambay and Khaike Paan Banareswala, popular songs to their best and in both songs, Amitabh's enjoyment is glowing.

Let's all eat Paan from Benares... Yoohoo!

One of the flaws of Don was perhaps its length, sometimes the story was a little too slow-paced, but the last half-hour made it all worth it. Don is a milestone in the history of Hindi cinema, and is a must-watch for every Bollywood fan, the legendary Amitabh's performance deserves you loose your time on it!