The long-awaited film 'Don: Power of the Forest,' featuring Tamanna Bhatia and Siddharth Malhotra, has been released in cinemas. The movie attempts to combine horror elements with an engaging plot, weaving local Bihari legends, mysterious jungles, the Temple of the Forest Goddess, and the atmosphere of the Chhath festival into the narrative. The story, which begins in the seventh century, is transposed to 2026, further deepening the mystery. It raises the question of whether the film is capable of frightening the audience or if it relies more on tension and adventure.
The plot of 'Don' revolves around mysteries, folk tales, and adventures. The action begins in a mysterious forest where entry is forbidden after sunset. The film reflects the characteristics of Bihar, including its temples and Chhath traditions, giving it a distinct flavor compared to typical horror films. However, instead of scaring, the film tries to evoke curiosity in the viewer regarding the future development of events.
The story unfolds in the Devanchal forest, at the center of which lies the Temple of the Forest Goddess. There is a belief that no one should enter this forest after dusk. Nevertheless, the king of Devanchal has to go into the forest at night for some reason, and this event forms the basis of the entire mysterious story. Subsequently, the plot transports the viewer from the seventh century directly to 2026, where the old secret is revealed through the lens of new characters and events.
The most interesting aspect of 'Don: Power of the Forest' is its folkloric world. The atmosphere of the Bihari village and the clash between faith and modern views create the impression that a page from the book 'Amar Chitra Katha' has suddenly come alive on the big screen. Like films such as 'Tumbbad' and 'Kantara,' 'Don' strives to use local folklore as its foundation. The character Siddharth Malhotra, playing Rishi, initially considers beliefs to be superstitions, but upon returning to the village, he encounters the forest's secret, which generations have warned about, intensifying interest in the plot. The visual effects, jungle atmosphere, and folk motifs lend the film uniqueness.
The first half of the film holds attention, especially while the story slowly weaves its web among Rishi, the village, land disputes, and the mysterious forest. However, after the intermission, the magic of the film somewhat wanes. Although themes such as faith, greed, the fight to preserve the forest, and the need for development are raised in the plot, the connections between these elements are not always strong. Elements like the Forest Goddess, mystical powers, and the wolf tiger look spectacular, but in many places, they seem to have been introduced too hastily to advance the narrative. The film does not so much scare as it holds the viewer through mystery and adventure, which lowers its rating from 'excellent' to 'so-so.'
Regarding acting, Siddharth Malhotra convincingly embodies the role of Rishi and performs confidently in action scenes. Tamanna Bhatia gets good opportunities in the story, but her character is not developed as deeply as expected. Sunil Grover serves as an unexpected plus, leaving a noticeable mark in a serious role. The film's strengths include the jungle cinematography, folk music, Chhath celebration scenes, and visual effects, although the quality of the VFX is not consistently high.
Overall, 'Don' possesses potential due to its storyline, folkloric touch, and appealing visuals, but weak screenwriting and a mediocre second act prevent it from becoming a memorable work. Although the beginning of the film resembles interesting works in the style of 'Amar Chitra Katha,' the entire story does not provide the same pleasure, yet the author believes the film is worth watching because it will not leave the viewer indifferent.
