Farhan Akhtar and Shahrukh Khan return after a gap of 5 years with Don 2. Farhan’s 'Don- The Chase begin' was not as impressive as Chandra Barot’s original. Yet the film was well lauded for its action and the final twist which made the audience sit up and look forward to Don 2.  Shahrukh’s first sequel of his career and last film for the year rides on high waves of expectations. Let’s see whether it will surf over or go under.

Unlike Don, this is not a gangster story. Rather, it is based on a heist planned by Don (Shahrukh Khan). Don surrenders to Roma (Priyanka Chopra) and Inspector Malik (Om Puri). Roma’s happiness on her success is short lived when Don and his arch rival Vardhaan (Bomman Irani) escape from prison. Together. As it turns out, Don had planned his surrender to save Vardhaan. But why Don would want to save his sworn enemy? The movie starts with Don talking about expanding his business to Europe – Is it all linked up? Is Vardhan an important toy in Don's plans? Well you have to see it for getting those answers.

Farhan’s capabilities as a director are well known with his Dil Chahta Hai and Lakshya. Don 2 however, is not a feather in his cap. He is unfocussed most of the time. There are many instances where the tension in the story could have been heightened or dramatized, but falls flat instead. For example, Don’s easy break in to a supposedly high security vault leaves you unimpressed. The first half is very slow. The second half of the film energizes the proceedings. A few action sequences have been well choreographed. Yet, the movie doesn't impress as an action film, especially those who have seen it all in the innumerous Hollywood heist films.

The film retains its lead cast while Lara Dutt and Kunal Kapoor play new characters instead of Isha Kopikar and Arjun Rampal. This is Shahrukh’s first sequel in his 20 year long career. The film marks his return to playing villainous roles after Darr and Baazigar. He does not look built to take on a thug, but his moves and punches compensate. He exudes magnetism on screen and the entire theatre erupts for all his one liners but he gets monotonous towards the end. Priyanka is good but does not match her previous performance in 'Don' 5 years ago.  Om Puri and Bomman continue to excel in their roles. Hrithik’s guest appearance was received with hoots and applause. Lara Dutta was good in a very small role. She oozed glamour and oomph. Kunal Kapoor was impressive too.

Technically the film is sound with spectacular camera work by Farhan's favorite Jason West. Rich but stagey art direction (especially the Vault sequences) and very well executed action sequences. The background score is worth a mention. It does follow the original track but the remix works for the film. Editing is a disappointment as it lacks the punch to make the film gritty. In fact, it puts you off to sleep in the first half.  There are only two songs in the film to hasten the screenplay. In spite of this, the film lags. The music is surely hummable, but the music trio Shankar Ehsaan Loy does not replicate the hits that they delivered in Don.

Don 2 is a complete masala movie which works but when you expect greatness it is well short of it. There are a few predictable scenes but overall, the film is a good watch. The director does tease us with the possibility of Don 3 which may be on the cards. And with the amount of marketing push and the absence of any big competition for this film, the movie can attain the blockbuster status. In that case, the sequel is inevitable.

Verdict: Original ‘Don’ ko pakadna namumkin hai.