Director Cibi Chakravarthi's "Don," starring Sivakarthikeyan, SJ Suryah, and Samuthirakani, strikes a satisfying chord as it blends entertainment with meaningful themes. While the film occasionally dips into preachy territory, it manages to captivate for the most part.
Sivakarthikeyan's portrayal in "Don," under the guidance of debut director Cibi Chakravarthi, is an amalgamation of intriguing concepts. The film effectively crafts a mixture of amusement, sentimentality, and memorable musical interludes.
The narrative of "Don" unfolds through the experiences of Chakravarthi (Sivakarthikeyan), originating from a financially challenged background. A typical middle-class father (Samuthirkani) compels his son to pursue engineering, envisioning a secure future for him. Despite any resistance, his father's stern resolve remains unwavering. When Chakravarthi enrolls in an engineering college, his primary intention is to embrace life's pleasures, paving the way for various escapades.
Within the college, he crosses paths with Professor Boominathan (SJ Suryah), the head of the Discipline Committee. Boominathan enforces stringent regulations, masking them as disciplinary measures, which ignites the ire of Chakravarthi and fellow students. To counter Boominathan's oppressive rule, Chakravarthi devises a plan, leading him to discover his purpose and aspirations.
Cibi Chakravarthi displays promise in his directorial debut, "Don." He adeptly elevates a simple narrative through inventive concepts, often evoking nostalgia by recreating iconic scenes from cinematic classics like "Vaali" and "Baasha." This nostalgic element plays a pivotal role in the film's resonance. Set in an engineering college, the film portrays realism, evoking reminiscences of various professors, encompassing a wide spectrum of personalities.
The film's self-awareness is a notable advantage, refusing to condone overbearing parental behaviors. "Don" includes a significant scene where Sivakarthikeyan's character emphasizes the importance of respecting a woman's wishes and refraining from stalking or pursuing her against her consent—an essential message, warmly welcomed.
Where "Don" stumbles is in its concluding act. As the narrative veers toward more somber undertones, the emotional arcs fail to elicit the desired impact. The film momentarily becomes earnest, and the thematic exploration of familial values feels somewhat contrived.
Sivakarthikeyan impresses with the depth he lends to his character. His ability to convey emotions shines, particularly in the final segments. However, the film equally belongs to SJ Suryah, who continually showcases his prowess as a performer with each project. Priyanka Arul Mohan and Samuthirkani reprise their roles convincingly. The comedic duo of Bala Saravanan and Mirchi Vijay provides moments of levity, while Sivaangi's performance occasionally tends toward exaggeration.
Composer Anirudh Ravichander's musical compositions and background score enrich the film's ambiance substantially. The cinematography by KM Bhaskaran and the editing by Nagooran Ramachandran equally contribute to the film's engaging presentation.
Conclusion
In conclusion, "Don" successfully strikes a balance between amusement and emotional resonance. It emerges as an enjoyable cinematic experience that intertwines nostalgia with contemporary themes. While it falters slightly in its final act, the film remains a testament to the potential of its director and the cast's performances.
Don (2022) - info
- Release date: 13 May 2022
- Genre: Action, Drama
- Director: Cibi Chakaravarthi
- Writer: Cibi Chakravarthi
- Stars: Sivakarthikeyan, Priyanka Arulmohan, S.J. Suryah