Friday Review
Bangalore
Chennai and Tamil Nadu
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Thiruvananthapuram
Dawn of a new Don
M.L. NARASIMHAM
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This ‘Don’ is a Good Samaritan and will arrive with a bang this year end.
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The Good Samaritan Nagarjuna in a still from the movie.
For both the lead actor and the director it is Don after Mass. For the producer, it is the most expensive film he has ever made. For the audience, it signifies the dawn of a new Don. The shooti
ng of Nagarjuna Akkineni’s most expected film Don is in progress at Annapurna Studios in a lavishly created set that showcases the dream its director Raghava Lawrence is going to sell to cine goers. It is a star studded affair at the location. Nagarjuna, Anushka, debut villains Kelly George, Chethan Hansraj, Lochan and Supreeth, Chalapathi Rao, Jeeva and a host of other actors are engrossed in the shooting of the climax scene. Lawrence takes up many roles ably. Besides having written the story, he is directing the film, has choreographed the dance sequences, has pitched in as an actor and above all, has composed the music as well!
He monitors his actors as they enact a scene that involves some heated exchanges on the 14” screen placed at a distance while ace cinematographer S. Gopala Reddy films the shot. “The arguments later lead to a thrilling action scene choreographed by fight master Vijay,” informs producer M.L. Kumar Chowdhary. It is his big venture to date. And also a style statement on action flicks. “It is turning out to be a stylish film. Nag is very stylish in the movie. From the sets to the costumes, a lot of work has gone into the making. Every character looks rich and classy. Though a lot of locales are in and around Hyderabad, most places look new. Two songs have been filmed in Austria. To begin with, Lawrence composed for two songs and we liked his tunes. With this film, he will be making his debut as a music director,” smiles Chowdhary.
The heated exchanges turn into action. As Vijay takes over the mantle from Lawrence, the screams and howls from the villains start while Nag delivers them a punch or two. “Everything looks real and natural (in the movie). We have kept the graphics to the minimal so that the viewers can enjoy the natural action sequences,” says Kumar Chowdhary. He feels the audience is too intelligent and can differentiate between wireworks, graphics and actual blocks. Vijay has a word with Lawrence and the actors relax for a couple of minutes after receiving and giving mock blows. “I approached Lawrence soon after watching his debut film, Mass. After completing work on Style and Muni he narrated the story of Don. I liked it and then we met Nagarjuna. I am glad that he has agreed to work under my banner. Then one by one everything fell in place. Kelly George hails from Bhutan and has moved to Mumbai. Chetan Hansraj has acted in Hindi serials and Lochan hails from Kerala. They all make their debuts in Telugu while Supreeth has already done a couple of films. Chalapathi Rao and Jeeva are with the hero. Anushka is bubbly and entertains throughout the film. Nasser is cast as a good police officer. Kota Srinivasa Rao plays a key role. Nikhita is the other heroine and her role is the surprise element,” smiles Kumar Chowdhary.
Chowdhary adds, “S. Gopala Reddy is an asset. Eleven out of 12 films he worked for Nagarjuna have become hits.” The shooting commences again. Nag takes on the villains. “This Don is different; he is a Good Samaritan and not from the underworld. Though this film differs from the Hindi Don, audience expect similar lavish fare. Hence, we too had to make a film on a large scale. When you see the film, it will evident that the money has been well spent.” Kumar Chowdhary plans to release the film on December 20.
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Friday Review
Bangalore
Chennai and Tamil Nadu
Delhi
Hyderabad
Thiruvananthapuram
|
